Many of the patients we see at the dental school have developed cavities and needed extensive dental work for just one reason: They were too scared to come to the dentist before now.
Something changed within them that made them finally say, “Enough is enough. I need to get my teeth fixed.” Sometimes it’s severe pain, and other times it’s a badly decayed, discolored front tooth that needs some dental care and compassion. Whatever the reason, it’s a shame that it took them so long to get in to see a dentist. There is a lot of help online.
How Dental Fear Central Can Help You Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist
First of all, it reinforces the fact that you’re not alone in your fear of the dentist. There are many others out there who also get anxious when they go to the dentist. The forums are great! They allow you to share your own personal story. I just read the story of a young woman who went to get her wisdom teeth out. After a few moments in the room, she got up and left. She eventually went back and had her wisdom teeth successfully taken out. She described the whole process. You can read her story here.
Another way the site helps is by detailing 19 common dental fears and how to cope with them.
Dental Fear Central has an article for those who were sexually abused and have dental fear. There is also an article for abuse survivors, that is written by a survivor of abuse. In it, the abuse survivor shares tips on how to cope with certain fears that are instilled in those who were abused. For example, it can be difficult for an abuse survivor to be lying down in a dental chair with an unfamiliar person poking around in their mouth.
Finally, there is a section of the site dedicated to walking you through the steps you need to take to get you into a dental chair. It helps you discover your fears, cope with them, and eventually make that appointment with the dentist. You can find this section, the help section by clicking this link.
Conclusion
I want to disclose that I am not affiliated in any way with Dental Fear Central. I value this website and believe that it can help people make it to the dentist and avoid losing their teeth. Because of that, I wanted to share it with you, in hope that if you are anxious about your dental visit, you can get the help you need.
Do you have any questions or comments on dental anxiety? If so, please leave them below in the comments section. Thanks for reading!
The web sight of dental fear was very helpful…especially for the abuse. I have some work coming up next month, and the tips that I can give my dentist beforehand (if I can handle letting him know) should make it easier. I’m already worked up over this 🙁
Again, thank you for recommending the web sight.
Hi Cris – I’m glad the website helped – it’s a great resource! Have you tried posting on the forums over at DFC? Another patient may be able to provide you with a better perspective than I can, since I’m on the dentist end 🙂
In my opinion, I think it would be a good idea to let your dentist know that you are very worked up over your appt. They may be able to schedule slightly more time for you. That way, the dentist won’t be rushed and nobody will end up being frustrated.
I hope that helps, Cris. I’d love to hear about anything that you think your dentist could do better to help put anxious patients at ease. I’m trying to learn all I can before I graduate and go out into the real world as a dentist. Thanks for your comment, Cris!
What helps me a lot, and not just dental, but also for surgeries…a calming hand on the shoulder. That calms me right down.
Hi Cris – Thanks for sharing. Out of curiosity, is it better if it’s a family member’s hand or would you care if it was just the dental assistant?
Thanks for your comment, Cris!
Most of my family don’t live nearby. An assistant would be fine. I also wouldn’t like my family in there with me.
Thanks for responding, Cris. I’m sure most dentists would be willing to accommodate that to help ease your fear. Thanks for sharing!
I have a check-up appointment tomorrow at a new dentist (i recently moved house), i know i need work doing but am scared i will faint in the dentist chair, i dont like the idea of laying down & having someone over me, its nothing to do with abuse its just i feel uncomfortable. Pain doesnt scare me having recently given birth to twins lol! Im not sure what the dear is, maybe my actual fear is fainting?! Anyway wish me luck for tomorrow!
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I don’t think any of your articles can help me. But this is a brilliant site.
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