To get some people to visit the dentist is like pulling teeth, especially if they need to visit the dentist to have their teeth pulled. We understand that some of our patients experience dental phobia because they had a traumatizing childhood experience, dislike the sound of a dental drill, fear pain, have a sensitive gag reflex, etc. If you have dental phobia, then here are some tips on how you can overcome your fear in order to receive the dental care that protects your smile:
- Schedule your appointment several days in advance. This will give you time to mentally prepare for it.
- Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages before you visit our practice because they will make you feel jittery.
- Try to think positive thoughts before your visit so you can feel happy and at peace.
- Tell our dental team if you experience dental anxiety. We will do what we can to help you feel relaxed during your visit.
- Bring blankets and pillows with you so you can feel more comfortable in the dental chair.
- Ask a family member or friend to come with you to your appointment so you can have moral support.
- At First Dental of Bluffton, we provide sedation dentistry for patients who feel nervous about receiving dental care. Our conscious sedation options can help you feel calm and relaxed during a procedure.
- Choose a hand signal you can use to let our dentist know that you want to take a break during a procedure.
- You can distract yourself by listening to music during treatment. Music can also overpower the sound of the drill.
- Take slow, steady breaths during the procedure. You may also want to try visualization exercises.
Call Dr. Charles W. Hobart II and our team today if you want to learn more about how you can fight your dental phobia.