What are you afraid of the most when going to the dentist?

Question

I manage a dental office and would like to know people's biggest fear, so we can cater to that and make that fear lesses a bit. Thanks!

Answer 1

I fear hearing that I have gum disease, a mouth full of cavities,
expensive dental work. Then pain and wondering if my mouth is the worse they've seen. A mean dentist who's rude or uncaring. Just the whole process is scarey. Even the friendly ppl at my office still can't calm my nerves, lol.
Oh yeah, the drills! The sound of it sends chills up my spine.

Answer 2

I personally am not afraid of the dentist, as I enjoy getting my teeth cleaned. I have only had two surface cavities my whole life, and I had braces for a year and a half when I was a teenager. After I had them removed I had all four wisdom teeth removed at the same time a year later (killer drugs!!! ) I am now in my thirties and still no cavities. But my daughter used to be afraid of the dentist because she says she didn't like for people to have their fingers in her mouth. (Nothing you or your dental employees can do about that.) Other than that, I have always been puzzled as to why people are afraid of the dentist. I'll be interested to come back and read other's responses to find out.

Answer 3

I am afraid of the dentist himself, and the dental assistants. I am an obese person, and I am afraid of them touching me. I just don't like to be touched. Not on the arms, not on my back, no where. I know that some people think it's ok to lay a gently hand on a shoulder as an act of caring, especially when the situation may be uncomfortable (for the patient), but to me, having someone even do that sends fear throughout my entire being.


This may sound like I need to see a therapist, and I probably do, but in the dentist's office, you will get ultra sensitive people like me.

There's my biggest fear. Thanks for being a caring dental facility! (where are you located??? and do you have any openings?)

Answer 4

I'm 12 years old so I don't know if your question applys to me but it is not that i am afraid of the dentist it is just that I am nervous. When I go to the dentist I don't talk unless I need to and I only give short answers. When i do talk I talk quietly. I think what makes me nervous is the unexpected. Like what are they going to do, is it going to hurt, what are the tools they are going to use. That is why whenever i find out that I have to have something done I go and find every possible piece of information about it and just read and search and read and search. I think that needles make me a little jumpy too. I know that it won't really hurt and that it will only be a pinch but for some reason thaty always get to me.

Answer 5

For people who have or need a lot of dental work, the conversations between the dental staff can be very sensitive. Sometimes, you can hear them right outside the treatment area making comments about a patient that is within earshot.

That's one thing that keeps people from returning to that dentist.

Answer 6

Well, I haven't had any major problems with my teeth yet; I usually just go for a 6 month routine cleaning. But, each time I go, I'm always scared of what they're going to say about having my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm 22 and all 4 of them are still in. Every now and then they'll start hurting, but not as bad as most people's. My dentist has been encouraging me to get them out for the longest, but I've never had to have any type of surgery, so I'm scared!

Answer 7

That the receptionist always gives me a toy, if I don't cry, but doesn't always give me a spanking, when I do cry. (She told me once, that bare butt spankings are an important part of good dental hygiene.)

EDIT: Also, handfuls of codeine, BEFORE the visit, not after! And then an Rx for 60 codeine pills, (no percodam, that stuff sucks!) twice daily, with 6 refills! follow my advice and you and your dentist boss will have the most successful practice in the World! I guarantee it! (I get 10% for the help, though.)

Answer 8

Strangely enough, the flossing. I have a few spots between my teeth that have always been tender even with normal flossing. Sometimes the hygienist just goes nuts with that floss and it's like someone shoving a knife into my gums.

My pet peeve regarding the dentist is how they ask you ever five minutes if you're okay. Look, if I'm not okay they're going to be the first to know about it.

Answer 9

im not, i dont mind the dentist, but what i dont like is when i am early or on time, they keep me waiting, and i was 15 mins late once adn the wouldnt see me, the next time i went, my check up was 5 mins, so they could of done it on the first appointment, just being awkward.

Answer 10

The sound of the drill makes my teeth hurt even if it's not in my mouth yet. it would help if you could listen to music loud or something like that. also i hate that sucky thing that sucks up the spit it drives me nuts and makes my mouth water more!