I'm ready to get over my fear of the dentist, any suggestions?!
Question: Over the past 3 or 4 years I've been scared of the dentist to the max. I'm 16 years old, and I want to be able to have a beautiful, healthy smile when I'm older. I don't remember what going to the dentist is like or anything as my parents realized the stress it puts on me. But it's 2008, a new year a new chance to start over. So can anyone give me advice on getting over this fear?
Answers: Over the past 3 or 4 years I've been scared of the dentist to the max. I'm 16 years old, and I want to be able to have a beautiful, healthy smile when I'm older. I don't remember what going to the dentist is like or anything as my parents realized the stress it puts on me. But it's 2008, a new year a new chance to start over. So can anyone give me advice on getting over this fear?
OH, I share your fear! I do understand!
And I put off going for a long, long time. My advice is this:
What I did was call my dentist, make my appointment and I told him I was absolutely terrified about going in to keep that appointment. They were wonderful; we did the x-rays, the cleaning, and even had to repair a small cavity - but they were gentle, explained everything that was going on, and really helped me get through it.
I recommend you go ahead and make that appointment (along with your Mom or Dad's knowledge, of course), and tell the dentist exactly what you told me in your question. I'll bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Good Luck! And I'd love to hear how it goes for you. We Sissies must unite! ;-)
mind over matter -tell yourself you're not afraid. practice better oral hygeine and have the dentist and hygeinist explain all procedures.
Put earphones on and listen to relaxing music while the dentist works on you.
When you go into the dentist think of something happy or something you are going to do later or over the weekend. Or think of something that you already did that you really enjoyed. Just try not to think of what is happening at the time and your appointment should be over in no time. Don't sweat it!
umm, its not that bad and afterwards your mouth feels very clean. and even if you have like a cavity they numb it so it doesnt hurt to fill it and just member your teeeth will look better afterwards
WHEN YOU GO TO THE DENTIST AND YOU NEED WORK DONE USE LAUGHING GAS....YOU WILL BE FINE...
i would suggest maybe trying to find out EXACTLY why u r scared of the dentist. maybe its that u dont liek anyone touching ur mouth or anywhere inside ur mouth, that kinda bothered me @ 1st too, maybe its that ur scared he might take one of his dentist tools and hurt u? idk, u should jus try trusting ur dentist, imagine a fun, nice, and down-to-earth dentist hoo will make ur smile look gorgeous! and then that'll make u not scared anymore!
think of kickin da dentist in da balls i alwaysz thought it was funny or u can think of da lollipop da r goin 2 give u in da end
Going Every Month.
tell the dentist that you are afraid and dont be ashamed. many people have a fear of the dentist. once you tell him believe me they will work with you and make sure you are very comfortable through the process. make sure though you tell them the fear you have!!!
There's really nothing to be afraid about. Just know that it's for your HEALTH, and you have to visit the doctor to maintane a beautiful smile. Perhaps telling your dentist that you decided that visiting your dentist and getting over the fear was your 2008 resolution, so he might be easy on your check-up, instead of going crazy. Well, good luck!
Sounds like wanting to get over the fear is most of the hard work done. Either over-think it like the other answer suggested, and ask to have it all explained to you, or under-think it, and do what the dentists asks you to do, and imagine yourself somewhere else. After a few visits, it probably wont feel so scary, and you can just act normally.
To get over your fear just take deep breath and think of the best things ever that you love close your eyes and daydream for all you want it doesn't matter. I was scared but then I got over it think of the perfect smile you will have, and think of the tools as funny things and that they make funny sounds. The dentist is just trying to help you and guess what after you go and don't be afraid it will probably be your favorite doctor's to go to, it is mine!
On 12/31 I had gum surgery and 2 teeth pulled, and so from experience here is my idea. When I went in and the needles started, I thought oh yes this hurts but does it hurt as bad as a hammer putting a nail in my hand? Uh no,,,next needle.oy oy oy it hurt like she was going into bone,,and I just breathed slowly in and out deep long breaths and imagined some other torture, like bludgeouning or stabbing and slowly each time( I had to have alot of work done) I made it through it visualizing that I will walk out of this chair in a few short hours..but everyday I read of horrible killings in paper. Or I read Bible of what was done to Jesus,,and this that is done to me will all pass..and voila,,before I knew it, the 1 1/2 hours of teeth pulling and root scaling was done. I have to go back to have 4 more teeth pulled and really, I'm not scared. (warning, best to get those cleanings done twice a year,,my skipping them has led to periodontal disease and big big bills)
This may sound harsh but GET OVET IT! They have dedicated years to studying teeth and nothing is going to go wrong. Honestly, what is the worst that can happen? They aren't there to judge you or yank your teeth out for the fun of it, they are there to educate and keep your mouth healthy.
2 Timothy 1:7 " The Lord hasn't given you the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"
That scripture helped me with fear.
i use to be SO AFRAID of the dentist. Just walking in the building and smelling that "dentisty" scent would make my stomach turn.
But I am also 16, and my fears of the dentist has drastically gone down. I think the main reason I was so scared was because of the dentist lady herself, she was so mean and rough, to the point I'd cry just seeing her face.
I think maybe you should try finding a dentist office that has gentle and passionate dentists that enjoy their career and not ones that are looking out for jingling pockets; rather ones that are looking out for you.
Also, its good to have a good bond with your dentist, make sure you keep communicating. If something is poking or cutting and your uncomfortable, let your dentist know "HEY! that hurts buddie!" otherwise, they aren't going to know.
I have braces, and I get a lil nervous when they come at me with those clampersto put on my new set of bands ...cuz once the lady clamped right down on my lip and that wasn't pleasant AT ALL, but i mean, it was only a lil mistake but it will be worth it in the end
...but the shots NEVER get easy to deal with..those you just gotta take it and accept the fear >.<
its not so bad. just be strong. be open and honest with u dentist let him or her know your afriad. when i was 12 i was forced to go to the dentist after not going since i was in first grade. its something a lot of us dont like. im still afriad but i have someone go with me. my mom keeps me calm. im 14 now and im not so afriad but i faced my fears and it get easier after each time.