Fearful of the Dentist? You're Not Alone

If you are someone who dreads going to the dentist, even as an adult, don't worry because you are not alone. Your fear of the dentist is legitimate, we all have fears of things; we all tend to have fears of going to a doctor of any kind because our health is so valuable and any fixes needed are often pricey. We worry that we will find some big problem with something about our body, we all do it to some extent.

I wish the dentist was an exception to this fear but I know believing that would be a fallacy. However, fearing going to the dentist does not have to prevent you from going to the dentist. There are some steps one can take to minimize the fear, at least enough to enable going to the dentist and getting proper care of your mouth.

1. Finding the right dentist. There are so many dentists in the country, thousands perhaps. Finding the right dentist for you does not have to be like finding the needle in the haystack (sorry for the cliché). But it is true. As a dentist in Park Ridge Illinois, I get a lot of customers from the community but there are a couple that are from a bit farther than a 5-10 minute drive so it is common to want a dentist even if they are a bit of a drive. Don't just settle for a dentist, choose a dentist. The right dentist for you who knows you beyond just your teeth should help reduce your fear. 
2. If your fear is real bad, then sedation could be an option for you. There are several ways to get sedated for your dentist appointments. There are pills your dentist can give you, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), novocaine, etc. The laughing gas and novocaine are usually used for more serious procedures but talk to your dentist, perhaps they can work something out for general appointments. 
3. Take baby steps. Don't worry about scheduling the whole deal for your first visit. Schedule some general appointments like cleanings and see how those go. Perhaps all you need is a good experience to introduce you to the dentist or to move forward from a bad past experience. My Park Ridge dental office does a few different services and so we let you schedule things when you can. 
4. For children, bringing a toy or something of comfort will help the fear as well. Many children have a favorite toy, especially a toy or something that is comforting to them. Hey, if you're an adult and have to bring something to calm you in the waiting room, go for it. 
5. Breathing exercises will help too. You know, deep breath through your nose and exhale via your mouth or nose? Finding a peaceful place in your mind will help. Just don't fall asleep, dentists kind of need patients to be awake for most things. 
1. Having a positive mindset will do great things. 
6. Bring a buddy. Need a friend or loved one to join you on your visit? Pick em up! There is no shame in bringing some support. For all anyone knows, they needed a ride, you needed a ride, whatever. 

If you are looking for a dentist, specifically a dentist in Park Ridge then give us a call! 847-825-1002. We would love to help you, even if you are fearful of the dentist. 

We are a park ridge dentist office, located near Chicago. We do teeth in one day and dental implants. We don't make you wait for your appointment. Go ahead and contact us.