How can I overcome my fear of the dentist?

Have you found yourself in a position where you simply need to visit the dentist? You may be in so much pain and discomfort but, for some reason, you cannot seem to find the courage to book an appointment. 

This could be down to many reasons; maybe a fear of the instruments in your mouth? Or the sound of the drill? Or commonly a fear of needles? You may suffer with a hypersensitive gag reflex (The gag reflex is the body's own natural defence to stop choking. Sometimes this reflex becomes oversensitive and can be experienced when trying to swallow tablets or during dental visits when the dentist places surgical instruments in the patient's mouth).

All of these can be helped with the aid of clinical hypnosis. 

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is very common. One in three adults can suffer from dental anxiety which can hold back necessary dental procedures. Often the anxiety relates to a bad experience or common misconceptions brought about during childhood. The client may consciously not recall how this anxiety came about or even understand why it causes them a fear of going to the dentist. Hypnotherapy can reveal the cause as it allows the hypnotherapist to access the subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind can learn bad experiences and will hold onto them which in turn, holds a person back. This is why hypnotherapy can be so successful in solving many problems. Hypnotherapy is used to enable the hypnotherapist to talk directly to the subconscious mind and find the cause of the anxiety (or other unwanted behaviour). In the session, the hypnotherapist will guide the client's subconscious to understand and view the cause of the anxiety in a more positive way. Once this is achieved, the client will be able to visit the dentist once again without any problem.

During your first consultation, you will be asked some questions regarding your condition for example:

• When did you first notice this?
• How do you feel when you come to make an appointment with your dentist?
• What is your desired outcome?

This enables your hypnotherapist to gain knowledge and an understanding of your condition from which a bespoke treatment plan can be designed for you.

At the next session with your hypnotherapist, you will be guided through a deep relaxation into hypnosis. From there you will be given positive suggestions to prepare you for your visit to the dentist.

The technique of hypnosis to overcome many fears and anxiety is proven and recognised by dentists and patients throughout the world. During hypnosis the client is in a trance state much like that experienced when reading a book, watching the television or a film at the cinema. The client is always in complete control and can return themselves to a wide-awake state whenever they like if they feel uncomfortable during the procedure. Unlike the misconceptions brought about by stage hypnotists where the participants seem to be under control, hypnotherapy is completely under the control of the client.

If this is of interest to you why not arrange a consultation with In Dreams Hypnosis today?