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One of the most common fears among adults is that of going to the dentist. For some people, this fear might result from a prior run-in with a painful dental procedure. For others, it could be because of how the media depicts dentistry in general.
With the coronavirus pandemic still raging on, dental anxiety has become even more widespread and complicated. As if the possible pain was not scary enough, people now have to worry about possibly contracting the virus when they come in for treatment.
Nevertheless, such fear can prevent us from ever visiting the dentist. As a result, we put our teeth at greater risk of developing problems that can translate into more serious diseases. With this in mind, how can you overcome dental anxiety during the pandemic to get the treatment you deserve?
1. Plan the appointment
One of the biggest causes of any fear or anxiety is the lack of preparation. When you leave things up to chance, you become more afraid of the possibility that they can go wrong. To fix this, plan your appointment as thoroughly as possible. This can include setting a date for the dental appointment, gathering your protective gear and insurance documents, and brushing up on hygiene and safety practices.
When you take control of a situation, you will put yourself in a frame of mind where doubt and fear cannot take over. Plus, you will be able to reduce the risk of catching the virus during your dental trip, helping to calm your mind.
2. Follow the protocols
With the pandemic ravaging the world, many countries have set up protocols to limit the spread of the virus. These protocols include social distancing, frequent handwashing, and wearing protective equipment.
Educate yourself about the protocols and strictly follow them. By knowing how you can keep yourself safe during your dental appointment, you will feel more confident in the process.
3. Wear protective gear
By donning protective gear when you head out for your dental appointment, you will feel less scared of catching the virus and reduce the overall anxiety of visiting your dentist.
The protective gear you should be wearing will include a facemask and a face shield. Do not forget to bring some tissues and disinfectant sprays to wipe your items down. Bring soap as well so that you will not have to use the public soap dispensers to get your hands cleaned.
4. Talk with your dentist
If your biggest worry is the dental procedure itself, then do not be afraid to talk about it with your dentist. That way, they can give you answers to calm your nerves.
Also, when the dentist does ask questions about you, such as where you have been, you should answer them truthfully. That way, they can identify whether or not you are at risk of having the virus as well as understand how to treat you while minimizing the chances of infection.
Conclusion
To summarize, the more prepared you are for your dental appointment, the more confident you will become. Remember to wear protective equipment and speak with your dentist to help put your mind at ease. That way, you stand a higher chance of receiving the treatment that you need to keep your oral and overall health in excellent condition.
Are you looking for affordable dentistry in Waterford? Dental House MI is here to help you out! Whether you need a new set of dentures or are looking for dental implants, we can give you the services that you require. Reach out to us today!
