If you have a phobia of the dentist you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 12.6 million Australians have purposefully avoided the dentist. Of course, not all of these are connected with dental phobia, some simply don’t have the right health insurance or money to cover the cost of the dentist.
But, if you are suffering from a fear of the dentist then you need to face that fear straight on. It starts with finding the right dentist and making an appointment.
Check Local Dentists
If you look around the local dentists you’ll find that some are more tolerant of a dental phobia than others. One of the best ways to see what a dentist is like is to check their website. If they have taken the time to comment on dental phobia they are probably aware of how difficult it can be to see a dentist.
In short, they will be sympathetic and ready to help you. You’ll find most of the best dentists, such as this Sydney Park dentist have this approach.
You can also talk to family and friends to see which dentist they use and whether they will be suitable for you with your dental phobia.
You can also take advantage of the internet. Simply google a term like “dentist near me ballwin” and it should provide you with a list of dental experts that you can check out. Be sure to read their reviews as well.
The Technology They Use
One of the most common reasons people are afraid of the dentist is because they are scared of the pain that the dentist can cause them when doing a procedure. However, technology has leapt forward in recent years. Even root canal surgery is pain-free!
If you’re looking for a dentist to help with your dental phobia then check the technology they are using. The more advanced they are the easier it will be for you to get treatment.
Experience
Newly qualified dentists and practices that have just started are probably at the top of their game in terms of knowledge and state-of-the-art technology. However, a lack of real-world experience often means that these dentists are still working on their ‘bedside manner’.
Check how experienced the dentist is, that’s more important than how long the practice has been established for. It will help you choose the right dentist.
Comfort
As scary as it can be, you need to step into the dental surgery. If you like you can simply sit in the waiting room without even talking to the receptionist. The aim is to see how relaxed the atmosphere is and, if possible, to assess how comfortable you feel.
The more relaxed you feel the more likely it is that you’ve found the right dentist to help with your phobia.
Make It A Family Affair
It’s best if one dentist treats all of your family. They’ll be able to identify familial concerns and you can make joint appointments. This will make it harder for you to back out and, the more often you visit the dentist the easier it will be to deal with dental phobia.
The first step is the hardest. But, deciding to face the fear and find the right dentist is a big step in the right direction.
