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Four Ways To Be Understood by Your Dentist

What do you want from your relationship with your dentist? Oftentimes, this question is answered when there is a dental problem or emergency requiring immediate attention. There is a different approach to your relationship with your dentist that relates to your own needs and dental health.

This approach is designed to help you create the kind of experiences you want with your dentist. You have a choice about this relationship and how it can support and assist you in your life. It begins with the simple question stated at the beginning of this article: What do you want from your relationship with your dentist?

The answer to this question can take many forms. For some people it may mean having a lot of information about their dental health and future. They seek facts to know they are making good, informed decisions. Others may want a friendly relationship in which openness and communication are valued.

They want information but, more importantly, they want to know they are important to the dentist and the dental team. Some individuals want minimal information and discussion -- just the facts and the solutions to take care of any problem.

We all have different wants in our relationships with health professionals such as dentists. Here are four tips to assist you in deciding what you want in your relationship with your dentist:

1. Do you want a lot of detailed information about actual problems or potential problems or do you prefer a quick summary of data with recommendations about what to do?
2. Do you like to make quick decisions or do you prefer to think about things before you act?
3. Do you like to talk about what is happening or do you prefer to have your dentist just tell you what is going on?
4. Do you want the dentist to describe a problem situation and solution with pictures so you can see what it happening or do you prefer to go on gut feeling?

Each person looks for different things in their relationships. It is your responsibility to determine what you want and look for that in the relationship with your dentist. The answers to the questions above will tell you something about this.

The next step is communicating what you want so that you are understood. Only you know when someone else understands you. Here are four tips to assist you in this communication process:

1. Tell your dentist that you have some ideas about how he or she can assist you with your dental health.
2. Ask when it would be a good time to discuss your needs and desires for your dental care and relationship with your dentist.
3. Communicate what you want and how that will help you.
4. If you had a negative experience in the past with another dental professional or are dealing with dental anxiety, always discuss what happened. Past hurts or disappointments have a way of negatively influencing present situations that are similar in nature.

Communicating what you want is important to your dentist for it is the best way for him or her to plan for the optimal dental health for you.

By Brian DesRoches, PhD

Overcoming Dental Fear with Sedation Dentistry

Most people are well aware of the value of dental care, but cannot bring themselves to get into their dentist's office and climb into the chair. The reason: fear.

Dental anxiety, unfortunately, is sometimes a shared family experience. Whether it's just a bout of sweaty palms or acute anxiety, the fears and attitudes of parents can easily be passed along to children unintentionally. Perhaps you grew up without the technical advantages available today. Your unpleasant memories can be fierce enough to interfere with family dental education - and health.

Parents can begin to allay phobias - and keep from spreading them around - by examining the source of apprehension. Dental phobia generally hinges on fear of pain, choking, or loss of control. The dental environment might feel overwhelming. Invasion of personal privacy - the mouth - can be frightening. When you schedule an appointment, how do you feel about it? Do you find yourself cancelling appointments at the last minute? Do certain pieces of equipment make you uneasy? A little soul-searching can help pinpoint your fears.

You need to speak frankly with your dentist. Chances are, he'll understand. He'll take time with you to describe new techniques - and there are many - to overcome fear. His dental staff will take special care to respect your feelings and dispel any misgivings.

With some effort, nearly everyone can learn to overcome dental anxiety and relax. The direct benefits - you'll feel more comfortable when you visit, and, if you or your family have been avoiding the dentist altogether, your dental health will begin to improve. Indirectly, you'll offer a positive role model for your family. Take this step for yourself, and the family will follow. Call your dentist today to find out how he can help.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.