Studies show that over 40% of all people have a fear of
dentistry. Other research demonstrates that having poor
oral health can decrease your life expectancy by five years.
Fear of the dentist can have many causes, some of which
are objective, and others of which are subjective. For example,
if you once experienced a great deal of pain while having
a tooth pulled, the next time you need an extraction, you
will likely be fearful because of your previous experience.
This is objective fear. On the other hand, if you later
told a friend about your bad experience, and he subsequently
became fearful when faced with a tooth extraction, this
would be subjective fear.
Fear in and of itself is not bad. We are all born with
certain fears that protect us, such as the fear of falling
and the fear of loud noises. Fear stops us from doing dangerous
things. The purpose of this series is to put fear in its
proper perspective so that you can have a relaxed experience
at every dental visit and enjoy the benefits of having healthy
teeth and gums.
SFD01 - Relax and Control the Dental
Experience
Allowing thoughts to influence your emotions is a normal
human experience. In this process, Dr. Patrick Porter will
help you reverse this tendency, so you can control your
emotions and stop reacting to negative thoughts. You will
learn a simple yet powerful technique that will have you
visualizing a pleasant visit to your dentist's office. You
will also be guided through a process of releasing any emotions
you may have tied to negative personal history experiences
with dental or medical procedures.
SFD02 - Mental Rehearsal for Instant
Relaxation
Developing coping skills is a key element to overcoming
your fear of dentistry. With this relaxing process, Dr.
Patrick Porter will teach you to use a distraction technique
that will eliminate anxiety and fear. Dentistry may not
ever be fun for you, but it can be a relaxed and comfortable
experience as you master these visualization techniques.
SFD03 - Eliminate False Beliefs &
Build Self-Confidence
In this process you will explore beliefs about dentistry
and eliminate those that are impacting you negatively. You
will build the self-confidence necessary to comfortably
handle any dental appointment, whether it be a cleaning,
filling, or a more complex procedure. With these blocks
gone, who knows, you might even enjoy your next dental experience!
SFD04 - Setting Expectations &
Eliminating Dental Anxiety
Anxious reactions are natural whenever we face the unknown.
In this visualization, Dr. Patrick Porter will be guiding
you through processes that quickly build your self-esteem,
enhance your assertiveness, and have you acting as your
own advocate, asking the right questions so you understand
even the most complex procedure.
SFD05 - Control What You Think and
Feel
Since energy always follows thought, in this creative visualization
you will master the art of singular thinking. This will
allow you to create a state of relaxation where you can
control the sensations in your body by controlling your
thoughts. It's easier than you think to control your dental
experience, and certainly worthwhile so you will have a
lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Denistry
