A 43-year-old member asked:
What do i do to get over my fear of the dentist?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Francisanswered
Periodontics 32 years experience
Just go: Don't listen to others, especially the older generation that went through some rough dental treatment. Ask your best friend what dentist to go to, and then go and i bet you will find out it is not bad at all.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Hetesh Ranchod -- Dr. Ranchanswered
Dentistry 28 years experience
Break the cycle!: Usually fear keeps some patients away from a dentist until their dental issues become major problems requiring more invasive dental work. If all of your visits to a dentist begin with you in pain, not too much positive reinforcement there for you. My advice is to bite the bullet, explore sedation if necessary, get your oral health in order, than start fresh with regular maintenance visit.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Hetesh Ranchod -- Dr. Ranch commented
Dentistry 28 years experience
Provided original answer
Once you start visiting the dentist for routine care, you will be amazed at how pleasant modern dentistry has become. You can learn to not only tolerate us... but even look forward to your visits with us!! Please note that if you do not carry baggage from past experiences, any procedure can be very comfortable in the hands of most dentists.
Aug 10, 2013
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how to get over a fear of the dentist?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Coppolaanswered
Pediatric Dentistry 43 years experience
Sedation dentistry: If you need dental work you could have sedation dentistry which varies from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral conscious sedation (usually a narcotic combination of meds) to IV sedation where you are "out" one excellent way is not to need treatment. You can have meticulous oral hygiene and limit your intake of sugary or acidic foods. A healthy mouth usually has a happy patient.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
Are there medications that I can take to get over my fear of the dentist?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kyle Shankanswered
Dentistry 15 years experience
Sedation!: Find a dentist experienced in conscious sedation (check out www.Sedationcare.Com). When you call to make an appointment, make sure to let the office know that you are very interested in sedation and that you'd like to schedule an initial consultation to meet with the doctor. The two of you can discuss what level of sedation/anxiolysis you need and what medication would be best for your situation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Is there anything i can do to help myself get over my fear of the dentist?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 42 years experience
Sure: You are probably fearful of the unknown or a past bad experience. Since you know you needs to have your teeth examined and restored, ask a trusted friend for a referral to a compassionate dentist.
Explain your situation and your concerns at the first visit. A terrific dentist is not only great in dental skills, they are also good in people skills. Once you are comfortable, your fears will vanish.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 21, 2014
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