Redmond Molloy Blog

1. Share your fear with your dentist - explaining your anxiety generally leads to a straightforward solution.

2. Ask your dentist to give you an overview of the whole procedure. For some, a running commentary works so you are sure about what is happening at every stage.

3. Ensure you have a good relationship with your dentist, if you don't, find a dentist you feel comfortable with.

4. Distractions can help - if you fear the noises that you associate with the dentist then ask can you listen to your own music, dock your own i-pod or just pop your headphones on, anything that makes the experience more pleasant is a good thing.

5. Ask the dentist if you can raise your hand if you want them to stop - that way you are in control.

6. Don't be afraid to ask the dentist about pain relief, all procedures can be carried out totally painlessly when the anesthetic has made the area numb

7. Choose a time to go to the dentist when you are not rushed or under another pressure - anxiety breeds anxiety.

8. Become a regular attendee. Don't let the gaps between visits get too big. If you visit every six months, you're far less likely to need complex work.

9. Bring a friend or relative and ask your dentist if they can come into the surgery with you.

10. Do not let your fear stop you from going for a routine check-up. Your dentist can just give you the diagnosis, so you can find out exactly what treatment you require, and its up to you to decide over what time frame you would like to have the treatment completed.