I AM TOO SCARED TO GO TO THE DENTIST

I am too scared to visit the dentist!!

How many times have I heard this? 

Too many times to remember.
Well of course the patient is now sitting in my chair and telling me this.  I guess something overcame the fear.  That something was the PAIN!
I always get a little chuckle out of this momemt because it is inevitable and it just repeats itself over and over again.  I always tell these patients that it had to happen.  They may not like to come to the dentist but one way or another they are coming.  The difference being that either they will be walking through the door or they will be crawling through the door.  BUT THEY ARE COMING!

Unfortunately now, there is a lot of damage that needs fixing and they will be coming for many more sessions than if they had come earlier.

We as dentists are experts at pain and anxiety control.  We really can give freezing almost completely pain free.  If regardless of the freezing the patient is still nervous, we have many methods to alleviate that anxiety.  From laughing gas to oral sedation, to IV sedation, to general anesthetic, we do have solutions.
Please let your dentist try to help you when the work is miniscule as opposed to your mouth falling apart.
Remember, one way or another you are going to visit your dentist.

All the best

Dr. Ron Barzilay

Having fun in Hamilton, Ontario