How a Dentist Helps a Nervous Patient

People who have a fear of going to the dentist can take comfort in the fact that they are not alone. According to the University of Washington in Seattle, approximately 5 to 8 percent of Americans have some fear of visiting the dentist. It is even estimated that up to 20 percent feel anxiety when thinking about going to the dentist.

Reasons Why People Fear Visiting the Dentist

There are a variety of reasons people fear visiting the dentist. For some, it stems from a bad experience they had at a dental office as a child. For others, the fear stems from worrying about unpleasant side effects or discomfort. For a third group, fear of the dentist comes from the lack of control a person has while sitting on the dental chair.

How Dentists Can Allay Their Patient's Fear

There are things that dentists can do to help their patients have less fear and have more control while they are on the dental chair. The first is explaining the sensations the patient will feel and for how long they might experience the discomfort. Good dentists will stop periodically and ask their patient’s permission to continue, thereby giving the patient a sense of control. They will also give their patients the opportunity to stop the procedure at any time if they feel uncomfortable by simply raising their hand.

If you have a fear of visiting the dentist, know that there are ways to overcome it. Thankfully, there are dentists available who have the patience and understanding to treat patients with the care they deserve.