Are you afraid of the dentist? It’s very common for people to feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, for a number of reasons. But no matter where your anxiety comes from, it’s very important to make it to all of your twice-yearly cleanings.
Although going to the dentist’s office may seem scary, the consequences of neglecting your dental appointments are much more frightening! No matter how well you floss and brush at home, you still need professional cleanings to remove the plaque and tartar that a toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Plus, a visit to the dentist could keep a small problem, like a cavity, from turning into a big one, like a root canal.
Conquering your fear of the dentist is possible, and the right dentist is always glad to help. Below we list some of the most common reasons why people are afraid of going to the dentist and share some tips for overcoming those fears.
6 Common Fears About Going to the Dentist and How to Overcome Them
If you are afraid of needles…
Ask your dentist about the alternatives available. They may be able to administer nitrous oxide or electronic dental anesthesia instead. If needleless anesthesia is not an option, don’t worry. Your dentist will numb the injection site with a local anesthetic first so that you won’t feel any pain from the needle. If you let them know you’re afraid of needles, they can help by distracting you and by making the injection as quickly as possible.
If you are afraid of the drill…
At Apple Tree Smile, we have noise-canceling headphones that you can wear, so you won’t hear the sound of the drill at all. You can sit back and lose yourself in your favorite music, movie, or podcast and forget all about the cavities that are getting filled.
If you are apprehensive of pain…
We always do our best to keep dental treatments pain-free. During a dental procedure, you might feel some pressure, but you should never feel any pain. If you do, please tell us right away so that we can numb the area again for you.
If you are afraid of feeling embarrassed…
Many people feel embarrassed about the condition of their teeth, how wet their mouths are, or their uncontrollable gag reflex. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! Dentists are used to all these types of things—it’s part of our job. We don’t ever want you to feel ashamed or embarrassed in the dentist’s chair, we just want to help you take good care of your teeth.
If you have generalized anxiety…
Many people feel anxious about making doctor and dentist appointments, or about visiting clinics and hospitals. At Apple Tree Smile, we do everything we can to make you comfortable—at our office, you can sit in a heated massage chair, rest your head on a pillow, and relax while we take care of your teeth.
If you are anxious about the cost of treatment…
Not everyone has dental insurance, and many dental plans don’t cover the full cost of crucial procedures. However, sometimes people need urgent treatment to protect their dental health, and they don’t always have the financial flexibility to cover the cost on their own.
At Apple Tree Smile, we offer three different alternative payment options:
- Gloss dental membership plans start as low as $25/per month
- 12-month interest-free financing for those who qualify
- 36-60 month financing options so you can get the work you need and pay for it in small increments
Gentle Dentistry in Thornton
Sometimes all it takes to conquer your fear of dental work is finding the right dentist. If you’ve had a bad experience in the past, we can help you banish those fears. We want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible, so you can get the treatment you need. Just let us know what’s worrying you, and we’ll take care of the rest. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today—we look forward to meeting you!