After taking your first sip of coffee in the morning, it happens again. Bam! That sharp, stabbing pain in your tooth. You convinced yourself last week you could ignore it but now it’s getting worse.
So you start to avoid hot drinks, then cold drinks – then lukewarm drinks. Then hard, crunchy foods. Gradually, the list of things to avoid becomes unbearably long and you are growing tired of explaining to family and co-workers why you can’t have a cup of coffee.
But the solution to this is just as unbearable; a trip to the dentist. You haven’t been in years and even the thought of it brings you out in a cold sweat.
Why are so many people scared of the dentist?
Fear of the dentist or ‘dentophobia’ is extremely common. It can be caused by a bad memory, fear of pain or fear of needles. In fact, it is so common that almost all dental surgeries across the UK are able to help those with dental phobias by offering things like anaesthesia or sedation. So, if you need dental sedation in Edinburgh to undergo your check-up, just ask!
Calming your nerves at the dentist
Asking your dentist for sedation in Edinburgh is one way to calm your nerves, but what other options are there besides sedation in Edinburgh? You may want to face your fears head on and conquer them, so what else can you do?
Own the fear
Accept that you have a phobia or fear; don’t try to hide it and be open about it with the dental receptionists.
Don’t feel ashamed, many people who visit the dentist have a phobia and the receptionists will be able to choose the most compassionate dentist on staff to help you.
Bring someone with you
What better way to distract you from what is happening than to bring your partner, a family member or a close friend?
By making it a ‘fun’ trip to the dentist, you will not feel as intimidated and will associate it with having a laugh with your best friend or partner.
Earplugs or headphones
Many people are scared of the sound of the drill used by dentists. If this is you, ask the dentist if you can wear earplugs or headphones to block the noise.
Once again, listening to something familiar will distract you and can make the entire experience more pleasurable; just make sure you avoid the soundtrack to the Little Shop of Horrors.
Start slow
You know yourself better than anyone. If you think you will overcome your fears in one trip, then you should probably undergo the full check-up during your first visit.
If you know you will require more time and have to work up to that, make sure you book your initial visit with a dentist who is patient; you don’t need to overstress yourself if you are already scared.
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