Do you suffer from "odontophobia?" In layman's terms, this means that you have an inherent fear of the dentist and it's a condition that many people across Australia suffer from. If you're in this position, it won't help to tell you that the dentist's office is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and that modern-day techniques make any process of treatment less impactful than it would have been years ago. However, you may know that you need to go in for some work anyway and it may help you to go through an initial process known as "desensitisation." What is involved here?
Making It Informal
If you can't remember the last time that you went to the dentist's office, you may find the environment to be a lot more welcoming these days. Have a word with the receptionist when you place the first call and the dentist may well suggest that the initial meeting takes place in a separate office within the building, rather than while sitting in the main chair. This could be an informal meeting in a more casual environment, where you can sit down on a face-to-face basis with the dentist and he or she can reassure you about the procedure ahead.
Can You Prepare at Home?
Some people choose to desensitise themselves in their own house before they make the trip to see the expert. As an example, maybe you can use an electric toothbrush instead of a conventional one, so that you can get used to the noise of the implements that the dentist will use when you visit. You may also be able to get some topical anaesthetic from your local pharmacy, which will help to simulate the sensation that you'll experience when you are being prepared for a procedure.
Understanding What's Ahead
Ask the dentist to give you a full explanation of what will happen, step-by-step, before the procedure begins. They'll be able to show you what technique they will use virtually, so you will be aware of what's ahead. After all, anxiety is often based on a fear of the unknown, so this should help to alleviate it.
Making the First Move
You will undoubtedly find that the receptionist is very accommodating when you place the call, so don't forget to tell them that you have odontophobia and have been putting off a tooth extraction due to this condition. Ask as many questions as you like during your initial visit as well, so that you are in a much better position when it comes to the actual procedure itself.
