How can I best learn to cope with dentophobia during a dental visit?

How can I best learn to cope with dentophobia during a dental visit?

In addition to seeking long-term treatment if needed, you can try certain techniques to cope with dentophobia during a dental visit. You might:

• Schedule a consultation with your dentist before you have a care visit. Your dentist can tell you about next steps, so you feel more comfortable moving forward.
• Tell your dentist that you’re anxious so they can best help you. They may suggest calming medications or other techniques.
• Bring a friend with you to offer support.
• Choose a dentist who listens to you and works with you to help reduce your anxiety. These dentists are known as fear-free dentists.
• Come up with a signal that tells your dentist to stop if you need a break during treatment.
• Visit your dentist at a less busy time of day, such as early in the morning, to limit the impact of noise from other patients’ treatments.