DENTOPHOBIA is an intense fear and anxiety about visiting the dentist, which leads to avoidance of taking care of one's dental health and, consequently, serious oral health disorders.
If you are experiencing dentophobia, try applying the following tips:
-A few days before your scheduled intervention, visit the area where it will take place and talk to your doctor about your fears and any questions you have regarding the procedure.
-Regular and frequent visits, even starting with just a simple check-up, can be an excellent and gradual preparation before a major intervention.
-A trusted close person may be present with you during the intervention itself.
-Before leaving for the dentist's office, use a visualization technique in which you imagine the entire process, from beginning to end, but with the most positive and courageous version of yourself, with which you ultimately leave the dentist's office smiling and satisfied.
-Before starting the intervention, do a relaxation technique of abdominal breathing that will calm you down. It looks like this: inhale for 4 seconds through your nose, first filling your stomach, then your chest, hold the air for 3-4 seconds and then exhale for 8 seconds through your mouth, first emptying your chest, then your stomach. Repeat this way of inhaling/exhaling several times or for 2-3 minutes. This will stimulate the part of the nervous system that will help you reduce anxiety and stress.
-Don't forget the positive self-talk, which should be supportive and encouraging!
-If you are hypersensitive to pain and the fear actually stems from that, arrange for an anesthetic that you believe will make you feel no pain.
-Agree with your dentist that when you want to take a short break, you will just raise your hand as a stop signal. Feel free to communicate with him/her throughout the process.
-In Dr. Ertan's office, there is always beautiful relaxing music playing in the background, focus on it. At the same time, trust in him and his professionally trained team, as well as in the fact that they take your fear into account and are ready to show maximum patience, understanding and experience in working with you.
If fear overwhelms you and you are unable to overcome it on your own, seek professional help from a Psychologist/Psychotherapist before your visit, who, with psychotherapy techniques, professional advice and support, will help you overcome your phobia.
Advice from Ivana Hadzhivanova, MA
Psychologist, Gestalt Psychotherapist, Family-Systemic Counselor