Many people are still afraid to go to the dentist, especially with the shadow of the needle and the buzzing sound of a dental drill. In fact, there are some dental problems that cannot be ignored or handled alone at home. Therefore, let's find out together how to overcome the fear of going to the dentist.
Sometimes the fear of the dentist or the treatment is so intense that you choose to keep the pain in check instead of going to the dentist. In fact, poor oral and dental health can be a risk factor for other health problems, such as heart disease, infection, and even stroke.
Causes People Are Usually Afraid of the Dentist
There are several reasons that can be behind a person's fear of going to the dentist, such as fear of the pain that medical procedures may cause, fear of local anesthetics not working properly, or feeling helpless and uncomfortable because they can't see what is being done. dentist on his teeth.
Fear of going to the dentist can also stem from inappropriate advice as a child, such as, “Come on, brush your teeth. If not, then you have to go to the dentist.” Sentences like this can make a person perceive that a visit to the dentist is a scary thing.
Tipsnot to be afraid to go to the dentist
So that you don't feel scared anymore when you visit the dentist, here are some preparations you can do:
1. Find a dentist you can trust
You may be afraid of pain, smells, or the sound of instruments in the examination room. However, all those worries can subside when you know you are being treated by a dentist you trust.
So, try to find references to trusted doctors around you from relatives, friends, or fellow patients on health forums on the internet. That way, your fear of going to the dentist can subside.
2. Find out tlatest dental technology
Did you know that now there are anesthetics that don't need to be injected through a needle? Your dentist may have used an anesthetic in the form of a gel, spray, or mouthwash.
Likewise with dental care technology, such as dental drills that use lasers to clean and straighten cavities. This can reduce the risk of pain felt by the patient.
If you find out that your dentist has used the latest dental care technology as above, you can go to the dentist in peace and undergo routine dental care without having to worry or be afraid.
3. Get to know types of anesthetics and pain relievers
Recent medical developments have also allowed dentists to significantly reduce pain. By knowing these developments, your fear and worry may be reduced. Here are some types of anesthetic your dentist may use:
- Topical anesthetic for the gums, which can be applied before a wider anesthetic is given, so you don't feel pain when the injection is given
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is an anesthetic technique with a low-voltage electric current to change the perception of pain in nerve cells to a minimum
- Nitrous oxide or laughing gas, which is gas that is given by inhalation, to make you feel relaxed during dental procedures
- Injection of a sedative into the vein of the hand or arm, which is less painful and can calm patients who are very agitated or who have to go through more complex procedures
- General anesthesia is given so that the patient “falls asleep” during surgery
4. Find a dentist who has the facilities complete
More and more dentists are now equipping their practice rooms with equipment that aims to provide comfort and relieve fear, such as TVs, iPods, iPads, or children's toys.
Some dentists also beautify their rooms with soothing interiors, such as brightly colored walls, fresh flowers, and a touch of music. Try to find a dentist whose practice can make you comfortable, so you can be more relaxed while undergoing dental treatment.
Dental health is very important to pay attention to. Therefore, instead of avoiding treatment at the dentist, it is better to try some of the tips above so that you are no longer afraid to go to the dentist.
If your fear of going to the dentist is so overwhelming that you have trouble sleeping, cry, break out in a cold sweat, or feel very anxious every time you visit the dentist or think about the dentist, you may have a phobia.
This can be very detrimental, especially if there are dental problems that must be addressed immediately. So, it's a good idea to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to overcome your phobia of dentists.
