West Coast Dental Clinics

Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist












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When was your last dental exam? For many people, regular dental check-ups are not high on their list of priorities. And the reason usually isnt a lack of money or insurance; nor is it that they forgot to make an appointment. The reason is fear.




























Some people are afraid of the unknown. Others are frightened by stories of negative dental experiences from family and friends. Still others associate the dental exam with a feeling of helplessness and a loss of control.
 
Most of the time, however, the fear and anxiety are rooted in traumatic childhood experiences.  Unhappily, the longer a patient waits to seek treatment, the more difficult it becomes. People who neglect regular dental exams typically suffer from numerous oral health problems, the most obvious of which is losing their teeth to decay or gum disease. Then theres the issue of halitosis, or bad breath, often caused by bacteria that brushing and flossing alone cannot eradicate.

More alarming, however, are recent studies that link gum disease to a host of other more serious medical problems including diabetes, heart disease and premature births. You just cant afford to say, Its only my teeth, if you have an infection in your mouth, it can compromise your entire immune system.

People with chronic gum disease have an increased risk of getting colds and flu, he says, because the immune system is so busy fighting the periodontal infection that it cant take care of the other problems.

Then there are the emotional and psychological aspects of neglecting oral care. The reluctance to smile is crippling.  From a business and a social standpoint, it can really limit your success.

Finally, the failure to seek routine dental care can result in missed opportunities to diagnose oral cancer in its earliest - and most treatable - stages. A dentist often spots oral cancer before the patient even knows it exists. And the sooner oral cancer is detected, the greater the odds the patient can beat it.






Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist

With all the dentists out there, how can you choose one who will understand your fears and provide empathetic care? Following are six rules for finding the right practitioner.

Do not wait until there is a problem to seek treatment. In an emergency situation, theres no time to interview the dentist or to check out the practice. Start developing a relationship with a dentist before there is an emergency.

Talk with the person who answers the phone. Share your concerns about dental treatment. Although that person is not the dentist, he or she should be understanding and compassionate. If the person answering the phone is not friendly, chances are the dentist won't be either. The doctor sets the tone for the entire office.

Ask for a consultation appointment. This appointment gives you an opportunity to gather information and talk about treatment. If a practice won't make that kind of appointment, check it off the list. Likewise, if you don't feel that the dentist is listening to you during the consultation appointment, go somewhere else. You should feel completely comfortable with the person who will be treating you.

Book your appointment for a time of day when you will have no other stresses. Do not book it when you know you have to be somewhere else shortly afterward. That will only add to your anxiety.
 
Communicate with your dentist. Participating in decisions about your treatment will give you a feeling of control. Discuss various treatment options and ask the dentist to explain what is happening at every stage of the procedure. Anxiety often comes from not knowing whats about to happen. When you know what the dentist is going to do, you wont be taken by surprise.

Start slowly. Build your confidence level one step at a time. For example, begin treatment by simply getting your mouth examined. Then come back later for a cleaning. You don't have to do everything at once. It is like a blind date. You start with coffee and then move on to dinner and a movie.




























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