Our Blog

Posts for tag: Dental Anxiety

Tips on How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

By Reno Laser Dentistry

January 13, 2012

Category: dental

Tags: Reno Laser Dentistry Reno Dentist Reno Dental Dental Fears Dental Anxiety

We all have things in life that we fear, many have dental anxiety. Have you ever dreaded going to that dental appointment? Even though you really need to but you just couldn’t find the inner strength to overcome the overwhelming feeling of anxiety, fear, or phobia. This is an issue that many people deal with; no need to let your fear hold you back help is just a click away.

According to the editors at dentalfearcentral.org, listed “approaches for tackling dental fears on your first dental appointment.”

"Doomsday – The First Appointment

Feeling like a lamb being led to its slaughter? Join the club!! This section explains how figure out whether you’ve met Mr. or Mrs. Right dentist, and how to communicate your needs to him or her.
Your first appointment is a get-to-know-you meeting, where you get a chance to check out your potential dentist. The only possible exception to this rule is an acute emergency.
You’re paying for the pleasure (either directly or indirectly) – what you say goes!
Some of the things on this page may not apply to you – as always, please ignore what doesn’t apply and take from it what you want.

Time of Day

You should schedule the appointment at a time when you feel at your most relaxed (in the normal way that is! Nobody feels relaxed on Doomsday).
If you’re a morning person and you dread having to wait all day, your best bet may be the first appointment of the day. This also pretty much guarantees that there’s no hanging around the lounge/waiting room for too long.
If you’re a night-owl who feels cranky in the morning, or someone who feels at their best in the late afternoon, the last appointment of the day might be best for you. The disadvantage of this is that you might have to spend some time waiting, as dentists often run late. The advantage is that the lounge might be emptier (which you may prefer), and that your dentist won’t be looking at their watch too often.
If you find the “waiting room” bit really hard, but don’t like early mornings either, a good choice is the first appointment after the lunch break.

Bring a Friend

You may find it very helpful to bring a close friend along to your first appointment, to act as an advocate for you and for social support. Bringing a friend is not a problem (we’ve never had anyone on our support forum say that the dentist minded their partner or friend coming along!). “
The only way your dentist will be able to alleviate your fears is by knowing about them. They’re not mind-readers. You have to do your bit. Be sure to mention even minor concerns – it doesn’t matter if you think they’re “stupid” or “irrational”.

You can read the full article at http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/find-a-dentist/first-appointment/

Remember this not an issue to feel embarrassed to mention to your dentist, contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno, he’s an expert on this issue.