The world is full of irrational fears and phobias, from the terror invoked by a simple spider to the dread felt when crossing a mile-long bridge. Some of these phobias are rooted in past trauma, while others appear to arise more mysteriously, but they all have a few things in common.
When not addressed those fears and phobias can have a profound impact on the lives of those who suffer from them, and on the people who love or care about those sufferers. A dental phobia, in particular, can be not only awkward but also dangerous, since many common health conditions can be exacerbated by a lack of proper dental care.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from a dental phobia, it is important to tackle that fear sooner rather than later. The longer you wait to get the dental care you need, the more expensive and potentially painful the needed procedures will be. With that in mind, here are some strategies you can use to deal with, and ultimately overcome, your longstanding dental phobia.
Look Into Sedation Dentistry
The fear of pain is at the root of many dental phobias, and sometimes that fear is well-founded. In the past, many dental procedures were very painful, and undergoing that discomfort might well have dissuaded you from further trips to the dentist.
These days things are much different, and pain does not have to be an impediment to getting the care you need. If you fear the dentist, consider sedation options — for example, nitrous oxide and IV sedation can eliminate any discomfort and pain.
Find the Most Comprehensive Dental Insurance You Can Afford
If you lack good dental insurance or any dental insurance at all, you might use that fact as an excuse to put off the care you need. In the end, however, putting off dental care you need simply means paying more later, and it’s well worth your time to seek out the best insurance you can afford.
Comprehensive dental insurance covering routine care, crowns, fillings, and extractions can remove one of the biggest barriers to getting dental care. Moreover, paying for a policy you are not using will be painful in itself, giving you yet another reason to head to the dentist.
Set Up a Non-Invasive Consultation
Going to the dentist after a long absence can be intimidating, especially if you have developed serious dental issues due to a lack of ongoing care. As you seek to overcome your dental phobia, you might want to seek a non-invasive consultation with a caring dentist in your area.
You will still have to pay for the consultation, but it could be well spent if it helps to put your mind at ease. During the consultation, you can get a feel for the dentist, making it easier to choose the right professional for your much-needed care.
Find a Caring Dentist
It’s always important to find a good dentist, but for those with dental phobias, the choice of practitioner matters even more. If you want to put your old fears to rest, you will want to start with finding a caring dentist, one who understands that not every patient is anxious to sit down in their chair.
Finding a caring dentist who’s tolerant of dental phobias is easier than ever in the internet age. From review sites to testimonials to word of mouth, plenty of resources will allow you to find a dentist you can trust — and one you can trust to help you put your fears to rest.
Few people look forward to going to the dentist, but for those with dental phobias, there is much more than mere reluctance. If you have avoided the dentist out of fear, the time to tackle that phobia is now, and the tips above can help you.