Fear of dentists is a big concern for all dental professionals, including Dr. Eric Siani DMD of Palmdale, California. Many people are so afraid that they will put off dental check-ups entirely, says Dr. Eric Siani DMD, until such time painful and serious infections or injury force them to make an emergency visit. Unfortunately, continues Dr. Eric Siani DMD, this behavior reinforces the patient’s anxieties and the cycle of fear will continue.
Dr. Eric Siani DMD explains that patients tend to be afraid for two main reasons. The first is usually because the person had a negative experience in a dentist’s chair sometime in the past. Whether the experience was perceived to be painful or simply frightening and whether it’s barely remembered or recalled in vivid detail, the fear is established and takes root immediately, says Dr. Eric Siani DMD.
The second reason many people cite for a fear of dentists is an aversion to needles, Dr. Eric Siani DMD continues. Some people faint or feel faint at the very sight of needles, although others are simply afraid of the pain injections can cause. Dr. Eric Siani DMD believes that it’s easier to establish trust in a person who fearful of pain (by not causing any) than to eradicate fear that is all-encompassing.
Dr. Eric Siani DMD advises people who are afraid of dentists not to be embarrassed by their fears. Such feelings are extremely common, Dr. Eric Siani DMD asserts, and there are several approaches that can be explored in order to feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
The first thing to do is to let the dentist know how you feel, says Dr. Eric Siani DMD. If you don’t have a dentist, then try to get references from friends and family. Dr. Eric Siani DMD says this is especially helpful if you know someone who is also afraid of dentists or has a fearful child.
Dr. Eric Siani DMD also recommends that you talk to the dental staff openly. Ask point-blank about how they treat fearful patients and specifically if they are very experienced in treating young children and fearful adults. Dr. Eric Siani DMD also recommends bringing a family member or friend to the dental appointment for support, or even starting off with very short appointments if there’s a substantial amount of work to be done.