There are many reasons why people are scared of the dentist. Perhaps they had a bad experience in the past, or they’re worried about the problems that an exam might uncover. The sound of the drill and the line of dental tools can also be frightening, and some people fear the needles used for anesthetics.
If you do have a fear of the dentist, we want to help you overcome it. Putting off your dental care is never a good idea. Without regular checkups, small problems will only get bigger. Gum disease and cavities can cause a lot of pain, as well as permanent damage and even tooth loss. We hope that the following tips will help you quell that fear.
Five Tips for Overcoming Your Dental Fears
1: Go to a Dentist You Trust
When you are searching for a dentist, there are many things to consider. How close is their office to work or home? Do they take your insurance? Checking the reviews on Google and reading the testimonials on a dentist’s website can help you decide if that dentist would be a good match. If not, it’s okay to switch. Finding a dentist who makes you feel comfortable is the most important thing.
2: Let Your Dentist Know How You Feel
When you call to make an appointment, if you’re feeling nervous let us know. Telling us if you have general anxiety or a specific fear (like needles or drills) can help us plan ahead. We can offer alternative treatments and if you’re uncomfortable, we’ll do our best to reassure you throughout the appointment.
3: Get Ready for Your Appointments in Advance
Sometimes the anxiety over a dental exam can be more pronounced in the days leading up to it. That is why we recommend preparing in advance. There are several things you can do that might help.
- Make sure you take any prescribed medications the day before and the day of the appointment.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a whole-body problem. It can make anxiety and depression worse, and is not good for your oral health, either!
- Plan a treat for afterward. This could mean taking the day off of work to take a nap, or stopping at your favorite store after an appointment.
- Bring a friend or family member. While we cannot accommodate furry friends unless they are a service animal, one human friend is welcome to sit in the room with you during your appointment.
4: Ask Us Questions About Anything That Worries You
Dental health is our passion, and we enjoy talking about it. If you are ever confused about a procedure or unsure about our actions, we want to reassure you. That is why we encourage you to ask questions during your appointment—understanding what’s going on will make the entire experience less frightening.
5: Stick with One Dentist
Once you’ve found a dentist you like, stick with them! Every visit will help you build more trust. Going to someone who has been monitoring your dental health for a long time will help prevent dental problems. Plus, your dentist and hygienist will become familiar with your personal fears and anxieties, and know how to relieve them.
Best Dental Care in Flagstaff, Arizona
Not only does proper dental care help keep your mouth and body healthy, it’s also good for your mental health. Fear of the dentist is more common than you might think! At Country Club Dental, we understand how this fear can impact your health, and we want to help. That is why we work hard to ensure everyone who steps through our doors is treated with kindness and compassion.
If visiting the dentist makes you feel nervous, please let us know when you book your appointment. Dr. Paul Whitney and the rest of our team will do their best to make you more comfortable.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/28/25). Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash.
