SINCE graduating as a dentist 30 years ago I often wondered why people are afraid of dentists or, more specifically, why there is always the fear or anxiety of sitting in a dental chair and being attended to by a dentist.

So I decided to try it out some years ago in Connecticut, USA. Although my visit to a colleague dentist was for a routine checkup, I must admit that I still felt nervous in that chair. So, do not think we dentists, at least this one, never experienced how it feels to visit the dentist.      It has been estimated that nearly 40 percent of any population exhibit sufficient fear of dental treatment that their oral health has been significantly affected. Of the other 60 percent, 90 percent experience some degree of apprehension. Overcoming this prohibition is therefore crucial. The first thing you can do is realise that your dental fear can be overcome.

Fear is a learned behaviour.  Therefore it can be unlearned. Patient-centered behaviour modification treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth and that can help you overcome your fears. This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his or 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 desensitise 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 your dental fears:1. Asking questions2. Learning how to relax3. 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 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. 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 methods are easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practice 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 stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures and you will gradually desensitise 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 portable music device is a common technique. Some sophisticated clinics are now equipped with virtually-reality glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done. We only suggest using distraction techniques once you have established some trust and confidence because your ability to communicate will be compromised, although it is easy to stop any of these devices if need to be.

If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behaviour or if you are ashamed 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 thought were possible. With modern dentistry, it is never too late to recreate a new smile. Communicate, empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your fears. These are sure fire ways to beat your fears!