FEAR OF THE DENTIST

Q: How can I overcome my fear of the dentist?

A: Some 30 to 40 million Americans don’t visit a dentist regularly because of a phobia, according to the Dental Phobia Treatment Center of New York. So, you have plenty of company.

Obviously, putting off dental treatment will inevitably lead to greater problems down the road. Talk to friends and find a dentist with whom you can feel comfortable. The more comfortable you feel, the less stress that will be involved with a visit. Talk with the dentist about the techniques he or she uses to relax patients. Sedation can range from the distraction offered by DVDs and music, to nitrous oxide, so-called ‘laughing gas,’ to oral sedatives.

Schedule appointments for the time of day you’re most comfortable. If you’re a “morning person,” for instance, or if your mornings are more leisurely, schedule appointments for then. Don’t try to squeeze an appointment in during a brief break in another part of the day. Trying to get in and out quickly will only raise your stress level.

The first thing to do is pick up the phone and talk with a dentist.

If you, your family, or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,
39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.
www.drshooverandyanda.com