Do you find yourself dreading a visit to the dentist? You’re not alone and most people procrastinate when it comes to making an appointment to see the dentist. Some people are more nervous than others to the point where they are overwhelmed with feelings of fear, stress and anxiety as the appointment time draws closer.
If you find yourself in this group of people, you may be suffering from dental anxiety.
The practitioners at Ace Dental understand that not all their patients have nerves of steel and will do everything they can to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Am I Being Irrational?
Dental anxiety is a real issue that 53% of the general public suffer from. Sufferers know their fear and anxiety is irrational but they have no control over those feelings. As a result, many put off regular visits to the dentist and only do so when there is a serious problem. The pain outweighs the anxiety so the patient will finally make the dreaded appointment and begrudgingly go to see their dentist.
What Can I Do To Make My Visit Less Stressful?
We all need to visit the dentist at one point and the nervousness many feel about this visit is mainly related to a fear of pain. Rest assured that your Ace Dental practitioner will do everything possible to make you comfortable but you can also prepare for your visit to make the event less stressful.
Ask to see a dentist that has experience working with nervous patients. Ace Dental’s staff are all well-accustomed to nervous patients but you can ask to see a dentist that has a good chair-side manner with really nervous patients.
When you call to make your appointment, feel free to ask any questions you feel need asking. During your appointment, talk to your dentist too. Don’t worry about asking silly questions. Your dentist has most likely heard them all before.
If you are worried about pain, tell your dentist and define a strategy, such as raising your hand, to let your dentist know if you are having trouble handling the pain. In most cases, this won’t be necessary as your dentist will not begin any procedure until they check to ensure the anaesthetic is working.
Book An Advanced Consolation
By booking an advanced consultation, you can meet your dentist and get to know them a little better. By establishing this rapport with your dentist, you will feel less anxious with each subsequent visit.
Make Your Appointment An Early One
Procrastination will only make your nervousness worse, so booking your appointment for the later part of the day is a bad idea. You’ll wake up early in the morning and spend the entire day working yourself into a nervous frenzy as the time of your appointment approaches. Make your appointment as early as possible and get your dental visit out of the way.
Keep The First Appointment Simple
If you are a nervous patient, a root canal may not be a wise choice for your first appointment. Don’t wait for something so drastic to come along that will force you to see the dentist. Book yourself in for something simple and painless like a routine clean and polish treatment. By committing yourself to this easy treatment, you will get to know your dentist better and ease some of the anxiety you usually feel towards a visit to the dentist.
Don’t Go Alone
A problem shared is a problem halved so don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend to accompany you to the dentist’s office. Having someone familiar with you can ease a lot of the tension and make you feel more comfortable. Your dentist won’t mind at all.
Is Sedation An Option?
If you really feel you can’t cope with a visit to the dentist call Ace Dental and discuss all of your options. Understand that dental care is crucial and should not be neglected. For major dental work that is uncomfortable for the most stoic people, a nervous patient may consider being sedated during treatment. Talk to your dentist to find the best coping methods for you.
Call on 020 8530 4230 to find out how our team can help you improve your smile.
