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Over 80 percent of people in a recent poll said they are afraid of going to the dentist in Edmonton South. In fact, it is hard to find anyone who actually likes going for a routine checkup, let alone to get a cavity filled. Fear can be in the mild to intermediate range that causes you to keep putting off an appointment. But, it can also be an actual designated phobia called dentophobia, recognized and treated by psychologists. There are an array of reasons for this fear. For many, it happened on their first appointment at the dentist's office. An impatient dentist, a shot that hurt, or fright from the drills, smells and noises could do it. This lingers into adulthood causing people to neglect treatment at the dentist's office. Though the bedrock of good oral health is daily brushing and flossing, this needs to be backed up with regular visits to the dentist for a physical exam, cleaning by a dental hygienist, x-rays and filling cavities. The health of your mouth is a good indicator of overall health because the bacteria travels through your bloodstream. It has been implicated especially in heart attacks and strokes. Modern dentists are aware of their reputation and get training to deal with fears. Most modern offices are a far cry from the medicinal, austere examining rooms of decades past. They are usually painted in friendly pastel colors with bright posters and paintings on the walls. Many have soothing music playing in the background. Staff are usually dressed in colorful clothes instead of white, starched uniforms. Many use aromatherapy and release relaxing essential oil smells, like lavender and sandalwood, throughout the office. How does a reluctant patient get over the fear enough to get to the dentist in Edmonton South? Explaining the problem to the staff when you make an appointment is a good first step. They can arrange a guided tour of the dental exam office. This has had positive results for many anxious patients. Simply seeing the drills, chair and other menacing equipment from a different perspective is often enough to remove its ability to intimidate. The dentist or her assistant can explain what each piece is used for and even let you handle them. If you still need some reassurance, the dentist can recommend self hypnosis tapes that deal directly with fear of the dentist. By listening to them in the weeks before your exam, you can learn to relax your muscles and calm your mind during your trip to the dental office. You can take a personal music device with earphones with you to the dentist. Playing familiar, soothing music may be enough to keep your anxiety in check during the exam. Some dentists are experimenting with sophisticated virtual reality systems to keep you distracted. Finding a dentist Edmonton South that you trust is an important part of allaying anxiety. Make an initial appointment without an exam just to get to know the dentist and staff. Explain this when you make your appointment. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Some dentists advertise that they work with fearful patients and are a good place to start. A dentist who works with patients who have anxiety issues won't object if you arrange signals while you are in the chair, indicating you need to take a break. You can suggest dividing up a standard six-month checkup into two or three appointments to let you get over your fear of a long period in the dental chair. If none of these approaches work, find a dentist in Edmonton South who offers laughing gas or sedation. It may seem extreme, but it helps even the most fearful patient get the dental treatment they need for good oral and general health. The consequences of avoiding the dentist are too serious to let fear keep you away from regular treatment.
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