There is zero shame in being nervous or afraid of oral health treatment. It is hard to know what is happening as Dr. McCarthy and his team work to help your smile.These are very normal reactions when going to an appointment for your teeth. Feeling trapped and claustrophobic is something a lot of patients go through while at the dentist. Don’t worry! All doctors, hygienists, and assistants understand that Dentophobia is real and are well-equipped to help you feel comfortable in the chair.
How to beat Dentophobia:
- 1. Talk to Dr. McCarthy
- 2. Take a deep breath
- 3. Ask for a walkthrough
- 4. Stay on top of your appointments
Talk to Dr. McCarthy!
This one seems obvious, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It is normal not to want to discuss your fears with others. However, suppose we are unaware of your dentophobia. In that case, their approach to your treatment may be different because they might assume you’re alright with prolonged periods of care with fewer breaks.Always remember they are there to help you. There is a good chance they will ask you about oral health treatment fears. If they do, simply tell them treatment makes you nervous. If they do not, for whatever reason, just let them know that you’ll want to take frequent pauses.
Don’t forget to breathe!
You’d be surprised how effective well-timed, relaxed breathing can be at alleviating fear and anxiety. Of course, this is easier said than done when it comes time for treatment to start. However, if you close your eyes, breathe through your nose, and do your best to relax your muscles, treatment will go much smoother!Always remember that you can speak up during the majority of treatments and exams at all times. If you’re having trouble dealing with rinses or catching your breath, everything can stop until you feel comfortable enough to start again!If you aren’t sure how to breathe correctly during stressful situations, a wealth of tips and tricks on the internet can help! Never underestimate the role that breathing can play in helping you stay calm during even the most challenging moments.
Ask for a walkthrough!
Dr. McCarthy and his team always explain each part of your procedure before it happens. If you are somebody that has dentophobia because you just never understand what is going on with your teeth during treatment, this can be a big help.Oral healthcare appliances can seem intimidating from the patient perspective. They can be large, noisy, and cause weird sensations in the mouth while doing their job. However, most of these appliances are designed with patient comfort in mind.Getting a walkthrough during treatment can also give you a chance to take a deep breath, release tension from your body, and prepare yourself for the next phase of care!
Give us a call!
Our entire team is trained to keep you relaxed, safe, and comfortable no matter your level of fear. While specific procedures may seem scary, you must never forget that keeping a person comfortable during treatment is a big part of oral healthcare professional education.We at Mark X. McCarthy DMD have protocols for calming patients with dentophobia! During your consultation, we will also ask if getting your teeth worked on makes you scared or anxious. You can always relax knowing that we have your best interests at heart with us.Give us a call today to book an appointment, or visit us online and get on our schedule. Thanks for reading!
