Going to the dentist is never something to brag about over dinner. At best, it is an uncomfortable and expensive experience, leaving you with a numb face and a sore jaw. Unfortunately it is an aspect of life which is unavoidable.

Some people have an actual fear of going to the dentist, and for those who consider themselves as having this phobia, keep these handy tips in mind.

First of all, remember that dentists are trained for years in highly specialised educational institutions where all aspects of dentistry - from technique to how to best relate to patients - is taught by qualified dental educators. Not simply anyone from the street can rock up and chuck on a gown and fiddle with your teeth! Hopefully this should alleviate some initial fear.

Secondly, fear of the dentist is rather common and is a main factor in why so many people put off visiting them altogether. You are not weird or abnormal in any way for having this fear! Accepting this fact may be the start of you overcoming this fear.

A handy way to get in touch with the exact cause of your fear of the dentist and a way to face it and move forward could be writing it down and sharing it with a close loved one or a professional counsellor. A counsellor is a professional trained in hearing such fears and worries and helping people to live with them.

Also, you may have to find the right dentist for you. If you don't like or feel comfortable with one you are free to request a different dentist in the same clinic or take yourself elsewhere until you find a dentist where you feel comfortable and believe you are treated with safety and care. You could even go as far as making an appointment just to meet your potential dentist, so there will be no expectation that you will have to undergo any procedures right away.

Let your dentist know, prior to beginning a procedure, that you may have to request them to stop for a little while, or even altogether if it gets too overwhelming. Remember these are highly trained, professional people who should hopefully respect your wishes when it comes to temporarily or permanently ceasing a procedure.

Finally, you could consider sleep dentistry, where all procedures regardless of intensity or severity are conducted with you under anaesthetic. However this may prove to be more expensive and keep in mind often you are good for nothing the day of the procedure and will need to be driven home from the dentist because the effects of the drugs can linger and hinder you in your daily activities such as driving.

If you want to find out more about how you can get in touch with a professional emergency dentist, contact Wisdom Dental Emergency today to find out more about how we can take the fright from visiting the dentist!