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Posts for tag: Dental Fears

By Reno Laser Dentsitry
May 15, 2012
Category: Laser Dentistry

Do you remember your first dental visit? Did you have any dental fears when going to the dentist? Want some tips on how to tackle children’s common dental fears?

According to an article at dental.net, “Kid’s Dental Guide”

“I will never forget my first trip to the dentist. My mother had told me so many times not to be scared that when I finally got there I was terrified, and wet my pants while sitting in the waiting room. Once inside though, things were different – our family dentist was a friendly chap who made sure that I felt no pain.

What are the things that kids especially fear when a dentist appointment looms, and how best ought you to work through these?

•    Rule No. 1 – Do not try to fool a kid. Kids are a whole lot sharper than we think. These days they watch television, and surf the internet as well as we do. So level with them – kids are also a lot tougher than we sometimes think.

•    Be a good role model – When you are the littlest one, you stay out of trouble by learning with your eyes. Do not look scared when it is your dental turn. Take your child with you, and let them see what is involved. That way you capitalize on the instinct of a child to mimic what their parents do. Never be apprehensive on behalf of your child.

•    Fear of pain – If your child has been hurt by a careless dentist in the past, then you have a problem that must be resolved before their next visit, (and hopefully to a different dentist too). You could explain that falling off a bike is no reason not to cycle, that it should not have happened, and that the new dentist will be different.

•    Choosing the best dentist – There is not a single honest person that will not admit a sense of trepidation as they park their auto outside a dentist’s rooms. It is the welcome that you receive that makes the difference. Choose a competent dentist with a genuine love of children.

•    Managing uncertainty – Adults, too get scared when they do not know what is going happen next. Take time to discuss things openly with your child, and work through their misgivings. Find out what are your particular child’s concerns. Did they watch a movie? Did their friends tell horror stories? All these things are real to them.

•    Make it fun – A dentist’s couch and all their other apparatus can look scary too, so let your kid touch the equipment first. Consider sitting down, and letting the dentist clean your own teeth first. Another useful tip is holding a small child in your lap while a dentist goes about their business.

•    Timing – Arrange a session as early as possible and not on a school day. It is better to visit a dentist on the weekend so that other children won’t taunt your child — making up stories about the dentist and creating unnecessary fears. 

Like most things in life, a visit to a dentist can be horrible, or equally, pleasant, depending on the way that we approach things. Apply these principles to your kid, and make life fun.”

Need a dentist that understands the needs of children? Dr. McElhinney has more than 30 year’s of experience and can handle any child’s fear. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

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By Reno Laser Dentistry
January 13, 2012
Category: dental

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.

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