Each year, the Guinness Book of World Records conducts a survey to find the top 10 most common phobias across the world. The same 10 tend to come up and one of them is a fear of the dentist.
Researchers around the world have also found the same results; more people feel afraid of seeing the dentist than other medical professionals and thus many people avoid check-ups and treatments altogether. As you can imagine, this can have a devastating impact on their oral health and mental well-being.
Dentists around Meath and other parts of Ireland are aware that this is a problem. In many dental surgeries today, the old-fashioned lecturing dentist has been phased out and replaced with a more compassionate form of performing dental work.
How dentists help patients relax
Dentists near Navan understand that part of the reason that people feel nervous about undergoing dental treatment is due to fear of judgement. Many dental professionals around Navan aim to reduce the fear and anxiety associated with trips to the dentist and can provide patients with a variety of solutions to ease their worries.
Familiarisation
If you are nervous of the dentist, many will offer you an initial meeting session, so they can discuss any worries with you and reassure you. All dentists have nervous patients that they look after, so do not feel ashamed about asking for an initial meeting before treatment. Many dental professionals would prefer to meet with patients to reassure them than to have them avoid all forms of dental work.
This is suggested as a technique for people with mild to moderate fears of the dentist; once you have settled in, you will feel more confident.
Music or books on tape
Hate the sound of the drill? Most people do and so, before undertaking any fillings or cleaning, ask your dentist if you can listen to some music on your headphones or a book on tape.
Many dentists will be fine with this, as it does not interfere with what they are doing and is allowing you to relax. Remember, the music you listen to can be soothing, to really keep your nerves at bay.
Sedation
If the idea of even getting into the dentist’s chair brings you out in a cold sweat, you may be suitable for intravenous (IV) sedation. This will enable you to relax through the procedure and have no memory of it afterwards.
Before undergoing IV sedation, please inform the dental surgery of any medications you are on, of any underlying health conditions you have and ensure you do not wear jewellery, contact lenses, hair pins or other potentially dangerous items of jewellery and clothing.
Do not eat for 2 hours before the sedation and ensure you have a responsible, adult friend or family member to take you home after the procedure is over. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after sedation.
Leave your comments or questions below, or feel free to contact us at Discover Wellness Coaching!
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