Routine dental visits are an essential part of a comprehensive health care regimen. In addition to cleanings and checkups, cosmetic dentistry is also helpful to remedy issues such as crooked and discolored teeth, which can impede your confidence and quality of life. But if you’re one of the many people with anxiety about dental treatments, you may avoid seeking dental help. Here are four ways to overcome your fears of general and cosmetic dentistry services 

4 Tips to Overcome Fear of the Dentist 

1. Educate Yourself

Many people are nervous about dental treatment because they don’t understand what the procedures involve. It can be frightening to give up control when you don’t know what’s happening. Knowledge is a powerful tool in overcoming these anxieties. Read up on basic procedures, or the particular procedure you’re going to have. You can also ask your dental technician to explain what they’re doing ahead of time. The more you know, the less you will have to worry about.

2. Communicate

Let the dentist know about your anxiety before your appointment. A quality dental care team will do their best to ensure every patient is comfortable, but they’ll take special care if they know you’re nervous or have had bad experiences in the past. When they know what you’re afraid of, they can tailor the experience to quell your fears and alleviate discomfort.

3. Bring Distractions

If you’re still concerned after communicating and strategizing with the dental team, bring something to distract yourself. This may be a movie, book, music, or even a friend. Just be sure to check with the dentist and technicians first to ensure whatever you bring won’t be in the way. Noise-canceling headphones will eliminate the sounds of the dental instruments, which some patients find unsettling. Once you get through the first procedure, subsequent visits should be more comfortable.

4. Adapt at a Comfortable Pace

If it’s been a while since you received dental care, you may need extensive help. If you require something such as a root canal or extraction, establish a dental care game plan to get acclimated for a more serious procedure. For instance, you may want to get your teeth cleaned first. In most cases, there’s no need to rush if you’re uncomfortable. 

Finding the right family dentist is the first step toward having a positive experience. If you’re a Cincinnati, OH, resident, turn to Kemper Pond Dental. For over 20 years, they’ve been the community's go-to for general and cosmetic dentistry, providing a broad range of services from teeth cleanings and dentures to veneers, crowns, and bridges. Call (513) 531-4069 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more about how they can help you and your family.