A Guide to Coping With the Dentist*

Let’s face it, a trip to the dentist isn’t many people’s idea of fun. In fact, it’s thought that around a quarter of us dread making these trips. But if a fear of having dental treatments is stopping you from booking appointments and could be putting your oral health at risk, now’s the time to take action, especially if you’re trying to set a good example for your kids. This brief guide should give you some useful pointers that make it easier to cope with going to the dentist.

Select an understanding dentist
Start by selecting a dental centre that makes a point of catering to the needs of nervous patients. This way, you can be sure you’ll get the sensitive care you need. Perhaps your friends or family can recommend understanding dentists, and you can also research your options online. By treating patients with gentleness and kindness, these medical specialists eliminate much of the anxiety associated with dental appointments. Certain dentists also offer sedation to exceptionally nervous patients. For example, while it encourages people to have modern local anaesthetics when they undergo treatments, City Centre Dentist does provide sedation if appropriate for customers with a dental phobia. You can discuss this possibility in advance with your dentist when you’re planning any treatments.

Book your appointment in the AM
If you have to wait until the afternoon for your appointment, your anxiety levels are likely to build throughout the day. To stop this from happening, try to arrange your dental visits to take place early in the morning. This will mean you can get them out of the way and then relax for the rest of the day.

Don’t let your imagination lead you astray
Lots of people worry that as soon as they’re in the dentist’s seat, they’ll start having needles, drills and fillings. In reality, your first visit will simply be an check-up. Your dentist will examine your teeth to assess what, if any, treatment is needed and then future visits may be arranged. Even once you get to these subsequent appointments, nothing will happen without your prior consent. The worst thing you can do is hit up the Internet, there are so many horror stories out there that can completely put you off. If you need to search for something tooth related, Dentek have put together this handy guide that helps solve these myths and misconceptions around dentistry.

Get into a routine of visiting the dentist
The best way to keep a fear of the dentist under control is to book regular check-ups. How often you need to go will depend on the health of your gums and teeth. Your dentist may advise you to attend as often as once every three months or as infrequently as once every two years. By following their advice, you can stop the sense of dread that comes from knowing you’re overdue a check-up. Make sure you’re set up with your local practice such as dentist Peterborough so you can attend regular check ups and keep on top of your dental care.