Tips for Your Fear of a Dental Checkup

There are many reasons you should have a dental checkup, but it is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist. The gums, teeth, and tongue all play a significant role in helping you have a nutritious diet. When these do not work well, you may not be able to eat the right foods. And if you are afraid of the dentist, it might be hard to gather the courage to make an appointment. The good news is you can conquer your fear.

Choose the right dentist

One of the most fundamental ways of conquering dental checkup fear is finding the right dentist. The patient should be comfortable with the dentist. Plus, some dentists charge a lot of money for some procedures. If the dentist does not accept the patient’s health insurance, it could cost more money than the patient is willing to spend.

If the patient has a phobia or anxiety, it is vital to choose a dentist that understands the patient. The dentist should be willing to help keep the patient comfortable during any procedure. However, sometimes, the patient might need to make a consultation appointment first. Then they can talk about the cause of the anxiety or fear of the dentist.

Having medication

Many things can cause fear, including the lighting, tools, and the thought of having a needle in the mouth. However, having a dental checkup is critical, and one possibility to get over fear is medication. The dentist can give it to the patient to help reduce anxiety. These could include local anesthetics or a light sedative to calm the patient.

Having regular dental checkups

A great way of dealing with fears is by facing them. That is what exposure therapy aims to do. The patient will make visits to the dentist to reduce anxiety. Regular dental checkups are the right way to do that. Slowly building up is the right way to do that.

For instance, the patient can have a checkup one time and an X-ray the next time. During this time, the patient will get enough courage to have procedures done when needed. Starting small is critical, but over time, the patient will feel better about dental visits. The patient gets used to the tools and the dentist that way.

Other ways of overcoming fear

Many times, the fear of a dental checkup puts oral health at risk. However, there are some other ways patients can reduce fears. For instance, a patient might go to the dentist with a friend. Or the patient can ask the dentist to give them a quick break from the procedure. Having headphones and music can take the patient’s mind off the process.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Checkup in New York, NY

Get a dental checkup today

It is common to fear going to the dentist, and it can affect patients of any age. However, younger people are often more prone to the issue. Still, it happens more in some people than others. The good news is you can manage it with the help of your dentist.

Request an appointment or call New York Dental Office at 212-548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.

Recent Posts

What A Dental Checkup And Cleaning Include

The dentist often does a dental checkup and cleaning to look for cavities or other teeth issues. That way, the patient can have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Many times, patients do need to come in more often than that. That is true if the patient is at risk for an oral…

Learning About Teeth Brushing At Your Next Dental Checkup

The next time you go in for a dental checkup, talk to your dentist specifically about brushing. As a child, your parents probably taught you to brush your teeth after every meal. However, they might not have shared much information as to why. After talking to your dentist, you will gain some invaluable insight. By…

When Do You Need A Dental Checkup?

You might wonder when you need to have a dental checkup since it is critical to your oral health. Taking care of the teeth is one of the most significant steps in maintaining your health. That is why getting an appointment every six months is a good starting point. Keep reading to learn more about…

Corey Brick, DDS

Share
Published by
Corey Brick, DDS

Recent Posts

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures for the First Time

Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting…

1 day ago

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups for Denture Wearers

Regular check-up visits are ideal for denture wearers to protect their smile and help ensure…

3 days ago

The Denture Repair Process

Occasionally, dentures need adjustments or repairs to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. Your mouth changes…

1 week ago

Getting Dental Implants for Dentures

Many people resort to using dentures instead of dental implants in managing tooth loss.

1 week ago

5 Common Questions About the Denture Process

Dentures are a great solution for people who have lost some or all of their…

2 weeks ago

Five Advantages of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are becoming an increasingly popular way to straighten teeth that are crooked, protruding,…

2 weeks ago