A little bit of apprehension is normal before going to see the dentist, but if your fear or anxiety affects your oral health and is preventing you from setting up an appointment, you’re not alone. Around 5-10% of Ozzies completely avoid seeing a dentist out of fear, while 20% are worried enough that they will only seek dental treatment only when absolutely necessary.

Being scared of the dentist is usually down to:

• Loss of control. Some patients feel like they have no control when lying down on a dental chair while the dentist hovers above their heads and probes inside their mouths.
• Pain. Fear of pain is very common, especially those who have a low pain threshold.
• Embarrassment. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed of their smile due to previous trauma or oral issues. It’s bad enough when a friend or coworker notices, but a dentist will see everything!
• Past experience. Some patients have had a previous bad experience. Maybe there were complications, or unexpected treatments, or maybe their dentist was not the right fit for them.

Overcoming Dental Fears

Here are some tips to help you get over any anxiety.

Technology

The technology and procedures for treatment is a lot more advanced compared to a few years back. We even have options to reduce any pain to an absolute minimum. Horror stories you heard from your parents are things of the past. Dr. Yap‘s goal is to help you keep your teeth in the best shape possible, so it’s in all our best interests to ensure you get the treatment you need in a safe and comfortable manner.

Recognize Your Fears and Talk With a Dentist

To better understand your feelings and address them, you need to come into terms with your anxiety or fear of going to the dentist. Write your fears down, so that you can talk about them better. Listing your fears will not just help you recognize them, but also aid your dentist in explaining what’s causing your anxiety or phobia and helping you deal with it.

The foundation of any good doctor-patient relationship is communication. Before you set an appointment for treatment, come in and sit down with Dr. Yap. Talk about your apprehensions, fears, and anxiety. We’ll be able to better understand your situation and tailor an action plan best suited for your needs. It’s quite common across adults, so we’ll come up with cues and signals if you want to take breaks or stop the treatment if you get uncomfortable.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation exercises can help you stay calm during treatment. One of the ways you can relax is through controlled breathing, which involves taking a big breath and letting it out very slowly. This will help relax your muscle and slow your heartbeat. Often a weighted blanket will help to reduce stress.

Distractions

Distractions can help focus your attention on other things besides your treatment. Some of the ways to take your mind off the procedure are watching TV, listening to music, using a stress ball.

Bring a Friend

Having someone like a friend or family member with you during the visit can offer an extra layer of support and assurance. Bring someone along who doesn’t have any fears about going to the dentists. Morning appointments are better so you won’t find yourself worrying about what might happen all day long.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation is offered to keep you calm and relaxed during treatment. Some sedatives include local anaesthetic, happy gas, and oral or IV sedation. You can discuss these options with our dentist before any appointments.

A visit to the dentist is not as bad as you think, because its goal is to keep your oral health in the best possible condition. Call Dr. Yap‘s office, speak with one of our friendly staff and schedule a free consultation.