I have been afraid of the dentist my entire life. It started with a dental appointment as a child that is the stuff of nightmares. I really need to get past this, because I realize it is affecting my oral health. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the dentist. I fear I’m causing myself serious problems. What are some things to do that can help me get past this?
LeeAnne S. – Tallahassee, FL
LeeAnne,
Many patients with dental anxiety have had unpleasant appointments as a child. It is hard to get past such fearful memories. What you need most is to get some good experiences. If you need a lot of work, that might be frightening to you. I suggest to get your teeth back into shape you use sedation dentistry. That will give you a completely pain free experience and allow the dentist to do a lot more work than he (or she) would have been able to without the sedation.
Ask the dentist how he feels about fearful patients. Some dentists who do sedation, do it for the convenience and because patients ask for it, but they’re not exactly fearful patient friendly. Others, like Dr. Potts, specifically like seeing fearful patients because they want to give them good experiences and change their minds about dental care.
You will find a dentist like that changes your whole outlook and going to the dentist.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.