Don't Be Afraid of Dental Visits
Why is it that so many people become scared at the thought of going to the dentist? Some degree of fear is understandable, but when that fear turns into dread, a person might actually have a phobia.
When people put off going to the dentist because they are so afraid of what may or may not happen their teeth are at significantly increased risk of developing decay. Left untreated, tooth decay can damage not only the tooth but the underlying roots and gums. If gingivitis develops and isn't treated, it can develop into periodontitis, gum disease that can become so bad that the gums and underlying bone structure are no longer capable of holding teeth in place.
If you feel stressed or tense before your dental appointment, worrying excessively and even losing sleep, or if you become sick to your stomach while waiting in the dentist's office or while looking at the assortment of instruments or the staff in their white lab coats, you might benefit from knowing how to overcome this type of fear.
Fear is a common emotion and almost everyone fears something whether it's spiders or flying or standing before a large crowd. Therefore, understand that fear isn't something to hide or feel embarrassed about. Instead, admit you're afraid because there are tools that can help alleviate this fear.
Communication is one of the best tools there is for overcoming your fear of the dental visit. Modern dentistry has advanced to the point where many of the procedures are performed without pain. This is important to know and Dr. Rumberger can explain what's going to happen inside your mouth in precise detail, if he realizes that such communication will help decrease your fears.
Knowing what's happening may make you feel more in control of the situation. Another way to feel more in control is to agree upon a hand signal you can give the moment you want the dentist to stop. Communicating with someone else's hands inside your mouth is difficult so a hand signal can definitely help.
Also available at the dentist's office are different pain medications and numbing creams that you can be given. The options range from localized topical numbing creams to local anesthesia. If you can't relax because you're worried about feeling pain, then let the dentist do something so that you won't feel it. Use of nitrous oxide can help decrease anxiety and fear.
If anything is bothering you or you want a specific pain control technique, be sure and tell Dr. Rumberger.