How to Deal with Fear of the Dentist ― Turning Anxiety into Reassurance
The truth is, most people feel scared of the dentist. They’d rather not go if they can help it, but rush in when they’re in trouble… This pattern of behavior is still very common today. So why is the dentist so scary?
Why is the dentist scary?
One reason is childhood experiences.
“When I was little, they held me down and fixed my cavities.”
“I was scolded for poor brushing technique during a checkup.”
Such experiences linger into adulthood, cementing the image of dental clinics as scary places.
However, the biggest reason is “not knowing what’s being done.”
* Not understanding the current state of their mouth
* Treatment starting without explanation, increasing anxiety
* Having teeth extracted without warning or receiving unexpectedly high estimates
These accumulated experiences reinforce the strong feeling that “the dentist is scary.”
Many negative reviews cite “lack of explanation”
Looking at actual dentist reviews online, most negative comments involve “being treated without understanding what was happening” or “not receiving a satisfactory explanation.”
Dental treatment involves many technical terms, often becoming a black box for patients. This is precisely why “explanation” and ‘visualization’ are so crucial.
Our Approach ― Visible Treatment for Peace of Mind
Since opening, our clinic has been committed to eliminating the feeling of “not knowing what’s being done.”
- Video Recording with Microscopes Two microscopes installed at the dentist and hygienist’s unit record the treatment process. We show you the footage right then and there.
- Photo Explanations on a Large Monitor We take photos of your mouth before and after treatment. We explain while reviewing them together with you.
We believe that “seeing and understanding” is the most effective way to alleviate anxiety.
Concrete Ways to Ease Fear
- Ask Questions Without Hesitation If you feel anxious, please ask questions. Undergoing treatment without understanding is what causes the most fear.
- Choose a Trustworthy Dental Clinic Whether explanations are thorough is a major factor in choosing a clinic. Seeing photos and videos is also reassuring.
- Consult Early, Even for Minor Issues Instead of waiting until it hurts to go, visiting at the first sign of discomfort makes treatment simpler and reduces anxiety.
Summary
The fear of the dentist often stems from “not knowing.”
However, by explaining the treatment process in a visible way and ensuring you understand and agree to it, anxiety can be significantly reduced.
At our clinic, we thoroughly prioritize ‘visualization’ to ensure you can receive treatment with peace of mind.
If you feel “afraid of the dentist,” we strongly encourage you to come in for a consultation.