A visit to the dentist can feel like “the end of the world” for some people. Dental phobia (fear of dentists) remains one of the most common phobias.
Even though modern dentistry is largely painless, many patients postpone appointments until they simply cannot tolerate the pain. Routine check-ups often seem unnecessary: “Why go to the dentist if nothing hurts?”
Don’t think that way! The later you start treatment, the higher the cost—both in time and money. That’s why preventive dental check-ups exist: to stop oral diseases from developing or to treat them early and avoid complications.
Remember, painful teeth and inflamed gums are sources of infection in your body, negatively affecting the digestive, vascular, and nervous systems, and even causing premature facial aging. Did you know that tartar increases the risk of a heart attack?
What to Do If You’re Panic-Stricken About Dentists
There’s no magic pill, but with a little effort, you can overcome your fear. We want to help make a dental visit a routine, stress-free procedure rather than a dreaded ordeal.
Here are some tips to try:
- Learn about modern dentistry – Equipment and tools are designed to minimize discomfort and make treatments more comfortable.
- Visit the clinic beforehand – Familiarize yourself with the office, learn how treatments are performed, and see the technology used.
- Find a dentist you trust – A friendly, reassuring dentist can make visits feel less intimidating. Imagine you’re visiting a friend rather than a doctor.
- Bring entertainment – Watching a favorite movie or listening to music during treatment can help distract you from unpleasant feelings.
- Work with a psychologist – A specialist can help overcome fears, process negative experiences, and, if needed, recommend medication support.
- Practice breathing techniques – Learn exercises in classes or online videos to reduce anxiety.
- Create motivation – Reward yourself after treatment and acknowledge your courage; positive reinforcement is key.
- Remember the advances in dentistry – We live in the 21st century: people travel to space, communicate via video calls, scientists work with DNA. Painless dentistry is no longer science fiction!
If you’ve tried everything and still panic, consider sedation dentistry (medically induced sleep) for treatment.
We hope these tips help. After your next dental visit, you’ll be able to confidently share your experience and how you overcame your fear!
