Q. I have been scared of the dentist for a while – what is it like now?
A. Dental techniques have improved so much over the last few years, that modern dental treatment is now completely painless. Despite this, most people still feel a little nervous at the thought of going to the dentist.
If you have not been to see a dentist for some time, you will find that things have improved a lot since your last visit. The general attitude is likely to be more relaxed, the dental techniques and safety procedures will be much better, and the equipment will be more up to date.
Q. Why am I afraid of the dentist?
A. Being ‘afraid of the dentist’ may mean different things to different people. It will probably help if you work out just what it is that worries you most.
Some people have specific fears about actual areas of treatment – for example, they are scared that having a filling will hurt. Others hate the whole idea. Some people don’t like the thought of being out of control, Some people find the sounds and smells bring back memories of bad experiences as a child. Others worry about stories they have heard about other people’s bad experiences.
A smaller number of people are genuinely afraid of dental treatment. The good news is that more and more dentists now understand their patients’ fears, and with a combination of kindness and gentleness can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life.
And nearly everyone would feel a lot better about dentistry if they knew for certain that they would always be treated kindly and considerately.
Q. Do some practices specialize in treating nervous patients?
A. As someone who is nervous about dental treatment, you need to be looked after by a dental practice that will take special care of you – it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.
Often people find their fears change. After finally finding a dentist they like, they may still dislike dentists in general, but they have complete confidence in their ‘own’ dentist.
Q. Who can I talk to?
A. You can speak to our Treatment co-ordinator or any of the doctors in the clinic. We all understand what its like to be at the other end and will definitely try to change your perspective of anxiety and fear once in our office.
Q. I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time – will I need a lot of treatment?
A. Years ago it was normal for people to need fillings every time they went to their dentist, but things have changed for the better now. Fluoride toothpaste has made a large impact on tooth decay and you may be surprised at how little treatment you need.
The aim now is for healthy mouths that stay healthy. Teeth are for life and can last a lifetime if they are looked after properly. If you can get your mouth into good shape, with the help of the dentist, you should need less treatment and there will be less for the dentist to do in the future.Using a fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your teeth and prevent decay.
It is important to keep up your regular visits to the dentist, not only to monitor tooth decay, but also to help prevent gum disease. Once your mouth is healthy, your visits to the practice will often just be easy sessions for checking and cleaning.
Q. What will happen at the first appointment?
A. Your first appointment should just be for a consultation. See it as an opportunity for you to meet the dentist, receptionist, and the team. Is the receptionist welcoming and helpful? Is the dentist interested in you? Is the team kind and understanding?
If you like what you see and hear, you may want to arrange another appointment for a short treatment session. Allow yourself to take things at your own speed.
Q. Should I tell the dental team that I am nervous?
A. Make sure that the practice knows you are nervous so that they can help you.
Tell the receptionist when you first make the appointment so that she can make a note on your records. Tell your dentist what it is that you particularly dislike about dental treatment. If you think you know the reason, tell your dentist what may have caused your fear. Was it a bad experience as a child? A recent dental experience? Or is it a more general feeling of worry and fear?
Q. I am afraid of injections – what can I do?
A. Many people are scared of the local anesthetic injection needed to numb the tooth. Again, be sure to tell the dentist that this is something that bothers you. There are anesthetic gels that can be applied to the area of the gum to be injected. This gel numbs the gum so that you cannot feel the needle.
Q. What is the best time of day to visit the dentist?
A. Book appointments at a time of day when you feel at your best, and when you do not have any other commitments to worry about. Allow plenty of time so that you can get to the practice in a relaxed frame of mind – arriving in a rush will only make you feel more nervous.
Q. Should I eat before going to the dentist?
A. It is usually best to have something to eat before you go, so there is no chance of you feeling light-headed or faint while you are in the chair
Q. Can I take a friend with me?
A. People often feel better if a friend comes with them to the practice. Think about what would suit you best. A reassuring and capable friend is often a great help.
Q. I have gone for a check-up, what do I do next?
A. Take things one step at a time. Discuss any proposed treatment with your dentist, and decide what you feel you can cope with. This may be no more than an examination with a dental mirror first. If you succeed with that, you may feel you could have your teeth polished next. Don’t be afraid to say when you have had enough – there is usually no reason to hurry through the dental treatment.
Q. Can I take anything with me?
A. Listening to music is a good way to help you relax. Here at URBAN TOOTH Dental Clinic music is played in the treatment rooms on patient request as well as we have modes of visual distraction. You can have your own choice of music. In this way, you can concentrate on your music – or anything else you like to listen to – and will not hear the sounds of the treatment. You will be able to distance yourself from the dental treatment as the sounds in your ears take all your attention.
Q. What else can I do to help me relax during treatment?
A. Thinking hard about something other than the treatment is a good distraction. Try to solve a puzzle in your mind, or perhaps work out a plan for each day of next year’s holiday. Or give yourself something tricky to do – try to wiggle each toe in turn, without moving any of the others.
Q. How can the dental team help me?
A. Your dentist should be happy to both talk to you and listen to you. Just talking about your fears can help lessen them. He or she should tell you what treatment you need, why you need it and what the fee will be.
Q. Can I ask the dentist to stop if I need to?
A. Agree with your dentist a sign that means ‘stop now – I need a break’ before the treatment is started. Usually, you can just raise your hand, and the treatment can be stopped for a few minutes until you are ready to start again. Once you know that you can control the situation you will feel more confident.
Q. How can I feel more comfortable about treatment?
A. Is there some way that the dentist or assistant could help you during the treatment? Would you like them to talk to you, have background music playing, or describe exactly what they are doing while they are working? Let them know what would help to distract you.
Q. How can I reduce the amount of treatment needed?
A. Your dentist and hygienist can work with you and tell you what to do to keep your mouth healthy. The healthier your mouth is, the less treatment you will need in the future.
You will probably be given advice about ways your diet can safeguard your teeth and gums and the best way of brushing and flossing. Looking after your teeth at home can be the most important part of all.
Q. What other techniques are available to help?
A. Counselling is another way of dealing with feelings of anxiety. This is usually carried out by a member of the practice team, in a room away from the surgery. You would be encouraged to discuss your fears so that they may be dealt with and overcome.
Q. Will things get better with time?
A. As you get to know and trust your dentist, hygienist and other members of the practice you will find your fears begin to lessen. In time you will gain control over your fears, and dental care can become a normal part of your life.