Overcoming A Fear Of The Dentist Office
Fear of the dentist office is not limited to small children
. Many people dread the look of the dental tools and what will happen in the chair.
However, we know that dental work is necessary for a healthy and happy smile, and so we undergo the stress of the traumatic experience. This fear may be partly related to pain, but in comparison to the past, the dental work of today is relatively painless.
The fear of needles is a legitimate concern as it is the instrument that delivers anesthetics. The fear that is initiated by the whirring of the drill can also be very concerning.
If you get extremely nervous about visiting a dentist, or you know someone else who does, here are a few suggestions that can help you brave the traumas of the dental office. Before your appointment spend some time trying to obtain a quiet state within yourself.
For some this may be reading a book, painting, drinking calming herbal teas, or meditating. In addition, make the dental appointment for the morning.
During the night your mind and body relax. If you go straight to the dentist in the morning, you will not have to spend all day worrying about it.
That morning try to avoid the traditional cup of coffee or tea. Try drinking an infusion of fresh mint leaves.
An infusion can be prepared by soaking herbs in hot water for about twenty minutes. This mint leaf infusion will lower your blood pressure and help your nerves to become and remain calm.
This infusion performs similar to a tranquilizer. In addition, try to avoid a large breakfast by choosing something light like toast and fruit.
Try to only eat until you are half full. On your way to the dentist run through mental exercises and keep repeating that you are in charge and your nerves do not have to control you.
This takes strong mental power. Continue these mental exercises throughout your experience at the dental office.
While in the waiting room, consciously think about relaxing your body. Close your eyes and practice deep breathing.
Inhale through the nose and exhale from the mouth and slow down how fast you are breathing. When you are called into the office discuss your anxiety with the dentist.
Detail the steps you have taken to overcome it and ask if is alright to listen to an MP3 player or iPod throughout the operation. Most dentists will be okay with this because the music will effectively distract the patient from their fear.
The dentist may want to talk to you about various points of the procedure before you start listening to music, but you can put in the ear phones when he begins. It also helps the dentist perform better if you are distracted from your fear because then he will not have to worry about how you flinch a lot or are extremely tense.
When you lay back, flip your arms over so that your palms are facing up on the armrests. If you do not, you will unconsciously grab the arm rests and your entire body will tense.
By turning your palms up, your body is forced to relax despite whatever your mind is still thinking. Never let you arms unconsciously flip over.
If the dentist needs to administer anesthesia, close your eyes. The needle and syringe needed to administer the anesthesia is very big and long.
The dentist typically puts a gel on the gums before the injection, so that your gums are numbed and you cannot feel the injection. If your eyes are closed you may not be able to feel the injection, and then it will be over.
After anesthesia kicks in, concentrate on the music instead of the dentist. The dentist is a professional and knows what he or she is doing.
Lay back and trust him or her. Continue to practice mind exercises if necessary.
Soon enough, the procedure will be over and you will have navigated it successfully. Reward yourself for successfully overcoming your nerves.
by: Tommy Greene
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