Southeast Dental - Dentist in Markham, ON

Address : 70 Karachi Dr, Markham ON L3S 0B5
  Call Us : 905-471-2002

How to Deal with a Fear of the Dentist

Roughly 15% of the population has a fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist. Are you one of them? While you may know that your dental team is there to help you, sometimes these fears can prevent people from keeping up with their important dental check-ups.

But there are effective ways to deal with dentist anxiety – here are some solutions that may work if you or one of your family members’ experiences this fear:

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Remember that some fear is normal: As we mentioned, a large number of the population has a general fear of the dentist. It isn’t something to be embarrassed about, but it is important to find out where the fear comes from so that it can be dealt with before problems occur.

Keep in mind that many dental procedures have changed over the years: Long gone are the scary dental tools that resemble torture devices – these days, thanks to technological advancements, dental procedures are less invasive and much more comfortable for patients.

Talk to your dentist: If you let your dentist (or hygienist) know how you’re feeling, they can work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible. You can ask as many questions as you need to while they walk to you through the process. Communication is important between a dentist and patient.

Keeping up with cleaning can prevent serious dental problems: While your fear may be keeping you from all dental appointments, avoiding a routine cleaning and check-up can lead to difficult problems that could include more invasive procedures down the road. Sticking with your regular dental cleanings is an important preventative measure.

Take a friend or family member to your appointment for moral support: For children with fears, this is a normal occurrence – a parent or guardian will go with the child to their appointment and stay by them for comfort. But it also works for adults with the same anxiety. Bringing a friend or relative with you can not only make you more relaxed, but it adds some distraction so you’re less focused on the procedure or cleaning. Ask your dentist if you’re permitted to bring someone along for support, and choose someone who calms you.

Find the right dental professional: The last, but possibly most important tip is finding the right dentist office for your personal needs. If your current dental professional doesn’t make you feel comfortable, or won’t answer your questions, find one that is more suitable for you. At Southeast Dental in Markham we strive to make our clinic a relaxing place for the whole family, and will work with you to ensure your comfort is a priority. To book an appointment, or to speak to us about your individual needs and concerns, contact us anytime.

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