One bad experience with a dentist can leave a person scarred for life. This fear can be so overwhelming that the person avoids going to a Dental Service Sioux Falls SD for any reason. In fact, there are stories of people who can’t even drive by a dental office without becoming stressed. Serious anxiety can lead to dental issues though, ones which can affect a person’s general health. For this reason, overcoming a person’s fear of Dentistry Sioux Falls SD is of great importance. How can one go about doing this though? Here are some tips to make the process easier.
Often a fear of the dentist results from the lack of control the person feels while sitting in the chair at the dental office. The whole situation lends itself to this fear as the person is lying prone with one or more people working on him or her. He or she most likely can’t speak or respond in this situation and this brings on anxiety. Some dentists make matters worse by not addressing the fear and taking steps to minimize it. Here are some things you and your dentist can do to make the experience as easy as possible.
Discuss your fears with your dentist and ask that he or she stop the procedure at any time if you feel uncomfortable. Most will agree to do this and some will even schedule breaks in the treatment to allow you to relax again. Ask if your dentist would be wiling to do this. The key is to let your dentist know that you experience anxiety and ask how he or she works to deal with this.
Find a way to remain distracted while in the dental chair. Bring an MP3 player and listen to music or have a friend or family member come along so, if you cannot speak, he or she can do so for you when giving a sign that you are anxious. Make use of a sedative, if necessary, and try relaxation techniques to help you calm down.
Visiting a dentist is of great importance to your overall health. If you find that your fear is too great after trying the above techniques, seek the help of a psychologist. He or she works with you to reduce this fear so you can see the dentist again. When your teeth are healthy, you’ll feel better in every way.
