Kick that dental phobia to the curb
DOES the thought of succumbing to the dentist’s chair send a jolt of anxiety through your body?
When it comes to triggering a fear response, few things can set people off like an upcoming trip to the dentist. That fear can set in early. Threatening comments from a parent, such as “If you don’t brush your teeth, you’ll have to go to the dentist”, can leave a lasting negative impression.
More common is a painful experience at the dentist’s office during childhood, which triggers anxiety that carries over into adulthood. But today people no longer need to fear dental pain. Modern dentistry is virtually painless.
NEW DENTAL TOOLS AND PRODUCTS
New dental tools have come a long way over the past few decades.
Needles that inject numbing agents, for example, are super-thin, compared to fatter versions of yesteryear. They are also disposable. Needles were once used over and over again and sterilised between patients.
Improved methods and tools also help dentists slow the rate at which medicine works its way into gums, easing discomfort from the pressure of the medication as it’s quickly released from the syringe.
And because a little distraction goes a long way, iPods for your listening pleasure, big-screen televisions, iPads, and virtual reality glasses that put your eyes and mind in another realm are common items in the modern dentist’s office.
So is calming décor — fresh flowers, miniature waterfalls, and bright, inviting wall colours.
To truly allay your fears, it never hurts to remember that inside the dentist’s white coat is a person who cares as much about your comfort as your teeth. Look at the doctor as someone who’s also a friend.
Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, for an opportunity to take advantage of weekly specials.
