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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

If you are a senior considering dental implants, you may have to worry about issues other dental patients don't have to think about. For example, you may need more time to recover after receiving your implants. My name is Jodi, and I've been working with seniors for years. I decided to create this blog to help the seniors I can't meet in person. In this space, I'm going to post entries on everything related to dental implants and seniors. From tips on flossing implants after arthritis has claimed some of your dexterity, to guiding you through the implants-vs-dentures debate, this blog is designed for you. Thanks for reading. I hope you find what you need!

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Dental Implants: A Guide for Seniors

Overcoming your fear of the dentist

by Jimmy Carter

If an impending visit to the dentist sends shivers of horror through your blood, you're not alone. Many people will do anything to get out of a trip to the dentist, including putting up with bad breath, excruciating pain and even lost teeth. But it doesn't have to be this way, and overcoming your fear of the dentist is far easier than you think.

Addressing your fear

Dentists hear stories of the origin of their patients' fears every day and, while the underlying causes are numerous, patients commonly report their fear is focused on:

Pain

  • If you avoid dental care because of a fear of pain, it may be due to a painful dental experience you had in the past.

  • Overcoming your fear: Remember, dental care has come a long way in recent years, with many techniques now available to minimise pain, and even do away with it altogether.

Shock

  • For some, dental anxiety springs from a painful injury to the mouth that occurred in the past. In these cases, the shock of the accident has become associated with the follow-up care they received, and the thought of stepping into the dentist's chair gives rise to all the emotions they experienced at the time of the accident.

  • Overcoming your fear: In these cases many patients find it helpful to examine their thought processes surrounding the accident and their current dental needs. By carefully separating past experiences from what is likely to occur in your upcoming visit you'll experience a greater sense of calm.

Lack of control

  • Fear of the dentist often starts in childhood, arising from a feeling of lack of control as a parent or carer forcibly subjected them to their first dental examination. Alternatively, dental anxiety may develop later in life as just one component within a suite of situations in which you feel helpless.

  • Overcoming your fear: If lack of control is an issue for you, speak to your dentist about your fear. Oral health care professionals have many ways to help you to maintain control during your visit, such as allowing you to operate the tilt of the chair or arranging a signal to use when you'd like to take a break.

Embarrassment

  • For many people, anxiety around visiting the dentist is compounded by embarrassment at just how nervous they are.

  • Overcoming your fear: If this is the root of your fear, you can relax. No matter how fearful you are of visiting the dentist, chances are your dentist has seen worse. Dentists work with anxious and terrified patients every day and, once you communicate your fears, you'll be surprised at how understanding your dentist can be, and how adept at putting you at ease.

If you're afraid of visiting the dentist, you don't need to let these fears stand in the way of proper dental health. Practicing these simple strategies will help you to relax and get the health care you need. Before you know it your visit will be over and you'll be on your way with healthy teeth and gums.

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