There are combination of reasons why people have a fear of the dentist. One of the most common ones is a fear of having injections and pain. Another common one is the sense of not being in control or a sense of having their personal zone invaded.

There are other factors at the back of the mind which could be exasperating the problem of fear. This could be that the trip to the dentist, although necessary, is causing financial hardship made worse by having to have the time off work perhaps. A lot of people are quite embarrassed about their dental problems or the sounds of the office can be very distracting also. A lot of people have good reason to fear the dentist , especially if they have already had a particularly bad experience in the past.

One thing to remember is that although your dentist will do all he can to reassure you and try and keep you calm during your treatment, but he is not a psychiatrist. It is best to resolve any issues before you go in for appointment or at least practice relaxation techniques whilst you are in the chair'. However, saying that, your dentist has been specially trained in putting people at ease. Believe me they hate being the cause of anyone's distress and the worst situation for a dentist is if he has to treat a person who is knotted up like a pretzel and who flinches every time they are touched in any way.

One factor to help you get over your fear must be the knowledge that the dentist is on your side. He no more wants to hurt you than you want to be hurt so what are you going to do? One of the things is to respond to your dentist in a positive way when he greets you. He is working hard to build up a rapport so don't push him away because he is trying to help.

Try to empty your mind when you get up on the chair. You are no different to anyone else who has sat there before. You will have your problems and impending treatment explained to you in great detail and this must help, because at least you know exactly what to expect one always fears the unknown. You have been soothed and spoken to nicely by the office staff who asked if you were comfortable and offered you a coffee and gave you a magazine to read whilst you waited. So everyone is on your side.

Try to stay calm/ Relax and think of somewhere really lovely that you would like to be at that moment. Take deep regular breaths and totally focus your mind. You are in control. Your dentist tells you that at any time you feel discomfort you can raise your left hand and he will stop immediately, You will be constantly asked if you are OK and the dentist will do all he can to let you know that you can stop him doing the treatment at any time.

Sometimes a patient may feel the need to take medication either by mouth or intravenously but it bumps up the cost of the dental treatment. Nitrous Oxide gas which is safe and also effective can also be given but really, these methods are for emergency only. A dentist would rather deal with fears by using methods of trust, touch, reassurance, humor, reminding them that they are in control, providing good information and a sensitive care.

In conclusion it may help to remember that the feeling of fear in going to the dentist is a signal from your brain telling you that you may be potentially hurt by going in there. When you sit in the chair and the electric drill starts, you get an overwhelming whelm of abject fear run through your body and a great urge to run out of the office don't you? Don't worry; it is just your brain trying to protect you again. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that everything will be all right.

Learn more about this author, Jane Allyson.
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