Expert answers
We know how daunting dental treatment can be. Our Dental Phobia certified experts are here to help ease your mind before treatment by answering your questions.
How do I get over my dental phobia?
Hey I really want to overcome my dental phobia. I know it sounds weird but I have tried loads of things such as changing dentist (they are all soooo scary and seem to have no sympathy at all), doing breathing techniques to keep me calm (these worked during labour but not at the dentist) and as last resort having a brake down in the dental chair and crying my eyes out. I don’t want to go to my doctor and end up being on medication for it so what can i do?
This does not sound weird at all! You are one of many many people who feel this way, and I am pleased to say that there will be a root to this problem and a solution also.
I know you said you don’t want to go to your doctor, but your Doctor may well be able to refer you to someone who can help you, and that does not necessarily mean needing medication. These days there are hypnotists, behavioural therapists and other specialists who help people learn to overcome their phobias, and your Doctor is bound to have contacts to whom he/she can send you.
The whole issue of Phobias and helping people who suffer from them is now mainstream , and you are not alone. Please see your Doctor and ask for referral.
If you have a current dental issue, may I suggest you ask one of the dentists whom you have seen to refer you to the local Dental Hospital, as many of these have staff who specialise in treating dental phobics. You could just write a letter to the dental practice explaining how you feel so you would not even have to meet the dentist again. We are keen to help people, and it is part of our duty to our patients to send them to a colleague who can help them if for any reason we cannot provide the care they need.
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you. Please contact me again if you have further questions.
Kind regards
Simon
