Do you experience Dental Phobia? If so, don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone. According to dentalphobia.co.uk, 53% of the UK population suffers from fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. This can range from a mild dislike or discomfort, to tears at the thought of having to attend a routine appointment. But, either way, it’s definitely nothing to be ashamed of and is something that we can help to reduce.
Not sure if what you are experiencing is dental phobia? Some of the common symptoms are:
- Avoidance
- Crying
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Racing heart
- Hyperventilation
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Heart throbbing
Dental phobias can be caused by a wide range of things, including a fear of pain or needles, feelings of hopelessness or as a consequence of a traumatic experience at the dentist in the past.
Whether you have Dental Phobia or just want to make your trips to the dentist more enjoyable, in today’s post we’re going to outline 3 tips for reducing Dental Phobia:
3 Tips for Reducing Dental Phobia:
- Choose a Dentist with the Latest Technology
Many people experience a fear of pain and due to this avoid all dental work completely. What people often don’t realise is that the ‘pain’ people associate with an injection isn’t actually from the needle itself. It, instead, is a consequence of the anaesthetic being released too quickly into the body.
This releasing process can now be computerised using The Wand. This means that having an injection can be a pain-free experience, every time! Whilst The Wand does still use a needle, it looks like a pen, meaning those with a phobia of the sight of needles can also be treated without needing to worry.
Other technological innovations include ‘drill-free dentistry’ and intravenous sedation. The latter allows the patient to feel calm and relaxed whilst still able to communicate with the dentist.
- Distract Yourself
Listening to your favourite music or an interesting podcast is a great way to pass the time and take your mind off what’s happening. Why not take your own headphones to your appointments and listen to anything that you fancy.
Alternatively, some practices will provide their own home entertainment for their patients. Here at The Courtyard Clinic, we offer Bang and Olufsen Surround Sound Noise Cancellation Home Entertainment for nervous patients who want maximum distraction from any type of dental work. With your favourite film in front of you and noise cancelling headphones on, dental work isn’t sounding quite so bad, is it…
- Walk Around and Meet the Team Before your Treatment
Considering having your dental treatment at a particular clinic? Why not arrange a walk around to meet the team and get a feel for the place prior to visiting for the work you’re having done. Not only does this eliminate a lot of the anxiety that surrounds being in a new environment, it also allows you to get to know the people who are going to treat you and ultimately helps you feel more comfortable.
We offer all of these services for nervous patients here at The Courtyard Clinic. Get in touch to see how else we can help you today!
