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Category:
Published: October 2007
DENTAL FEAR: How To Deal With It
First, do not be embarrassed or feel inadequate in any way for not being able to go to a dentist. Almost invariably you were hurt by a dentist who said, "I won't hurt you", and when you said it did hurt, your feelings were either dismissed or you were ignored.
It is only reasonable that you do not want to go back and subject yourself to the same injustice not only reasonable, but intelligent. It is smart not to put your hand back on the stove after you have burned it, but in truth, that is what you have to do. You need to have a "healthy fear" to function in life. Find a dentist who understands and does not belittle your concerns.
When I was ten my father (the dentist) did hurt me, and when I asked him to stop, he said "I'll be finished in a minute." It hurt! From then on I was afraid of dentists, and I would even jump out of the chair and force him to chase me through the office "quite a scene".
One of the most difficult aspects of dental fear is that once you have been hurt, the emotional reaction to a dental office never goes away. My patients with dental fear trust I will not hurt them. They know they can say STOP. I will do whatever it takes to control any discomfort they are having, but emotionally, I know they are feeling anxiety and I will not belittle them.
Talk to your dentist about your concerns, or come to my office and meet with me and my staff. Schedule a short appointment to experience the office without treatment. The benefits of dealing with your fear are huge.
Remember it is not dental phobia. It is real. You have been hurt, but today you have the right to painless treatment. Look for it, request it, and then require it.
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