Overcoming Dental Fear – What You Need to Know

Tariq Drabu has advised that he sees a high number of patients each year at the Langley Dental Practice that suffer from dental fear. He mentioned that dental fear is not a reason to avoid the dentist and his main concern is that patients that fear the dentist will only go to the dentist when they are in serious pain, by then the damage is done and it can work out more expensive to treat.

Worry = Fear

TariqDrabu advised that worry will result in fear. Worrying can be due to a bad experience with a dentist in the past, being claustrophobic or even being embarrassed about the state of their teeth. He also mentioned that some patients are scared of injections or they don't like the sounds of the drill that they need to use. There are no excuses to not visit the dentist and he advised that there are ways patients can reduce their stress, by simply letting the dental team know their fears in advance.

How to cope with dental fear

Tariq Drabu mentioned that the first thing patients who suffer from dental fear will want to do is find a compassionate practice. A dental practice that understands that there are people who fear the dentist and go out of their way to reduce this fear. Speaking to the receptionist and advising them of the fear is the first step, the receptionist should make them comfortable and help them make their appointment without any hassle, while ensuring the dental team are advised before the patient sits in the dental chair.

Another option is to tell the dentist as you walk into the surgery. Tariq Drabu advised that by knowing a patients fear, he is able to work with the patient, giving them the treatment they need at a pace that is comfortable for them. Ignoring the fear only makes matters worse. He also advises that patients that fear the dentist should bring a friend or loved one with them to sit with them while they wait. Ideally the friend or loved one should not suffer from dental fear, so they are able to keep the patient calm.

Tariq Drabu also advises that patients that suffer from dental fear should ask for breaks throughout their treatment. A minute or two can give them the time they need to breathe deeply and use their relaxation techniques. A final alternative that he can provide is sedation, so the patient is only aware of the treatment being completed by the time they come around.