I DO NOT know of anyone who is totally without fear, anxiety or apprehension when it comes to being treated in a dental chair. But my experience both as a patient and as the dentist taught me that the best approach is to first be convinced of the fact that your dental fear can be overcome. Fear is a learned behaviour which, therefore, can be unlearned. Patient-centered behaviour modification that treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth, can help you overcome fears.

This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his/her staff. Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to. Modern dentistry, with a compassionate dental team, can be truly painless. You can desensitize yourself to your fears if you take the first step and allow the right team to help you overcome your fears.

Here’s a list of other steps you can take to overcome dental fears:
i. Asking questions
ii. Establishing a signaling system
iii.  Learning how to relax
iv.  Improving communication with your dentist

Explanation and clarification of any and all procedures proposed is your right as a patient. If you have a question about a particular procedure, ask it! Empower yourself with the knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown. You should have input into your treatment decisions and choices. You should be honest with your dentist regarding how much treatment you think you can tolerate at first. As you build confidence in yourself and trust in the team that is caring for you, the length of your appointment and the amount of work accomplished will increase.

A signaling system should be established, allowing you to stop for any reason – whether it be because you need more anesthesia, want to rinse out, or simply need a two-second break. The most common signal is rinsing your hand.

If you feel tense in the chair, the easiest way to relax is through forms of physical relaxation. A relaxed body promotes a clear and relaxed mind. The human body cannot be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time! The brain won’t process these feelings simultaneously.

Physical relaxation is easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practise forms of physical relaxation first. Examples of physical relaxation are diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and various methods taught in yoga.

There are numerous books and sources for these methods. If you induce relaxation in the presence of the stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures, and you will gradually desensitize yourself to these fears as you build confidence.

The memories of traumatic visits will be replaced with more innocuous ones, and this less threatening environment, coupled with your relaxation methods, will help you eliminate your fears.

As you get more comfortable in the dental environment, you can engage in various distraction techniques that many offices have. The use of a Walkman or Discman is a common technique. Many offices are now equipped with Virtual Reality-like glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done.

I have televisions both in my Waiting Room and in the Office (the patient can watch TV while sitting in my dental chair). In addition, the Office has a home theatre sound system to play music, movies, etc.

We only suggest using distraction techniques if it is necessary. But once you have established some trust and confidence, your ability to communicate will be compromised if the distraction persists.

If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behaviour, or if you are embarrassed by your present dental condition caused by your neglect, please express yourself honestly and give your present dentist a chance to understand your concerns and show you that they care. You will be amazed at the wealth of treatment options that you might not have where possible. With modern dentistry, it’s never too late to recreate a new smile!