Do you have a fear of the dentist? Does even the idea of scheduling an appointment give you anxiety? You certainly aren’t alone in your concerns, but you should know that they are mostly unfounded. Most modern technologies and methods have made dental visits a peaceful and relatively painless experience. Additionally, regular visits can reduce tooth pain and improve your overall oral hygiene.

Tohill Dentistry, in Somerset, KY, offers these tips for helping you overcome your fear of the dentist.

1. Identify Why You Are Afraid

If you can pinpoint what aspect of visiting the dentist bothers you, you can better understand your apprehension. If you are afraid of the drilling noise, perhaps you recall an uncomfortable cavity filling; if you are afraid of large needles or other tools, maybe you once had a painful extraction. Know that your fear stems from somewhere and that your next experience will not necessarily be the same.

2. Schedule A Consultation        

Most dentists offer consultation services before scheduling an appointment. You can go, discuss how long it’s been since your last visit, and have them assess if you’ll need a cleaning or something more extensive. You can also address the fears that you currently have, and they’ll explain how they can help make you feel at ease.

3. Try To Relax During Your Visit

Many offices offer television or radio services to help distract you during your session. You can also perform deep breathing exercises or recite poems to yourself to try to calm your nerves and keep your mind off of the procedures.

4. Visit Regularly

It may seem counterintuitive, but visiting the dentist more often can help you overcome your fears. Not only will it help to minimize some of the nerves associated with appointments, but it can contribute to making your visits more pleasant. If you follow good oral hygiene practices and come in for regular cleanings, you will reduce your chances of developing cavities, tooth decay, and tooth pain.

If you are having tooth pain, need a tooth extraction, or just want quality dental care, call (606) 679-4450 or visit the Tohill Dentistry website to schedule an appointment or consultation today.