I am a Dentist. And I am scared too!

Statistical studies prove half the population is a victim of dental phobia. We also discussed whether our dental fears are rational or completely baseless. If you missed it out you can read it here.

We also learned how bad dental experiences could keep us away from visiting dental clinics. We discussed a variety of such experiences here, and would love to know if you suffered these too! (bad dental experiences)

One interesting feedback we received was many thought their dentists are cheating on them! Look what they had to say

It is hardly surprising then that we avoid going to a dentist so badly.

But, hey let me tell you something no dentist will ever tell you. I am a Dentist. And to let you in on a secret, I am scared of going to Dentists too.

Being a dentist and being a patient are two different personalities dentists have. Being a patient is not easy. Though we are dentists, we’re still humans. Of course, there is a lot of pain and suffering no one wants to go through.

Yes, I am scared as well.

But dental fear is such it spares no one. Not even dentists. You got that right. Dentists fear dental procedures too. We, dentists, are no doubt skilled in performing dental treatments and procedures. But when it comes to experiencing all that misery and suffering we’re sailing in the same boat. We try equally hard to avoid visiting a dentist

It’s not the dentists we are scared of

Dentists do not actually fear dentists. We instead are more worried about the treatment and post-treatment concerns. That, actually, messes up with our minds. If you think clearly even you might be scared about the treatments and the pain factor that comes along with it. You might actually not be scared of your dentist. Think about it! Ask yourself what exactly are you scared of.

What do dentists actually fear?

Dentists do fear the same dental treatment procedures that involve excruciating pain. Of course, we also know what’s coming next the suffering is even more.

• The pricking sensation of the injections on delicate tissues in the mouth is something that even we dentists fear. We cannot bear a simple toothpick pricking our gums then getting pierced with a needle deep down the mouth is much more horrifying.
• Often dentists do undergo tooth extractions in case they want to get their teeth aligned or wisdom tooth extractions. This surely puts us in your shoes. The fear is the same.
• Root canal treatments are not something even we enjoy doing as a dentist. Often patients jump out of the chair with excruciating pain during the procedure. Have we to go through this is another story altogether.

If we dentists were to become a patient, we surely can be a headache in the operator's head too. We certainly freak out if we were to go through the same.

How do we dentists deal with our fears?

Its true one can overcome his phobias by facing them. But that’s not how it needs to be with dental treatments. What’s best is not to put yourself in a situation where you need to face them.

Taking the necessary precautions is the way to go about it. It takes preventive measures at home to avoid the need for dental treatment in the first place. We do keep a check on our oral health and get them treated at the earliest to avoid a dental visit to our fellow doctors. There are ways you can avoid all your dental problems too. Do it like your dentist and you shall be safe.

How do we safely avoid going to a dentist?

We, dentists, do believe in prevention is better than cure. We make sure to take some preventive dental measures to avoid future dental problems. We, dentists, do believe in eliminating the root cause of dental issues. Prevention and early detection is the secret to our good oral health.

You can do it too! Take care of your teeth and your teeth will take care of you too. Preventive measures can save you from all the complex dental treatments and the pain that comes with them. It’s a situation where you either suffer from pain or you actually take measures and efforts to avoid the pain.

For example, I do practice a simple step of rinsing my mouth after every meal or eating a carrot or cucumber post my meals. This is to make sure I leave no scope for cavities to happen in the first place. Do you want me to tell you more legit ways of avoiding a dentist?

The bottom line is:

Performing the treatments is no big deal for us dentists. But going through all of it is a hell of a journey to go through. We do know what it is to be a patient. Sitting on a dental chair and going through the suffering is no joke. It’s not only you, but even we as dentists are scared of dental procedures. We’re in this together.

Dentists often trust themselves more than trusting any other dentist. Hence we believe in taking care of ourselves. We do know there are some ways we can avoid all of it!

Do you want me to spell the secrets out? 100 “Yes’s” in the comment and maybe I will think about it. ??

Highlights:

• Dental fear is real and has victimized millions of people.
• Dental Phobia is experienced by all with no exceptions. Not even dentists.
• Yes! Dentists do fear dental procedures. Just like you!
• But dentists find their own way to get away with it. You can save yourself from all that pain and suffering too.