If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, know that you are not alone. In fact, it’s quite common to fear the dentist’s chair to some degree. Of course, knowing you’re in good company doesn’t help to make sitting in the exam chair any easier.

What will make your next visit more comfortable, however, is being honest with your dentist about your concerns. If they know you’re nervous, they can then respond accordingly. Your dentist will likely suggest that you take advantage of one of the many options available to lessen or eliminate your discomfort.

First, consider the nature of your fears. Can you identify where they originated-for example, a traumatic past experience? Is there something about the dental practice you currently visit that makes you uncomfortable? Does the entire experience upset you, or are you focused on one particular aspect, such as the potential for pain?

If your concerns originate from your particular dentist, then the best thing you can do is switch to another practice. Don’t tell yourself that you need a concrete reason to make a change; if you are uncomfortable, that’s the only basis you need for moving on.

Dentistry has made great strides in recent years. Many procedures that were once extremely painful and uncomfortable are now quick and painless. Arming yourself with information can be the most effective way to conquer fears of repeating a past painful procedure.

Ask your current dentist how your previous problem would be handled today, and what steps are taken to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free. Chances are, a new method has been developed that is infinitely more pleasant than what you went through before.

Dental phobias are taken more seriously today than in the past. In fact, more and more dental practices are focusing on calming their patients’ fears. Approaches vary from office to office; some have completely remodeled their interiors to provide serene, relaxing environments, while others have added radios and televisions to distract patients from procedures. Staff members are frequently sent to workshops and conferences to better learn how they can ease patients’ anxieties.

If closing your eyes and talking it through isn’t quite enough, some dentists offer nitrous oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas) at the start of a visit-even for cleanings, if necessary. Though fully awake, you will be in a particularly relaxed state. For those who can’t stand the thought of having their eyes open, multiple sedation options are available in both pill and IV forms.

If you find your fears to be so paralyzing that you are unable to receive the medical attention that you need, it may be in your best interests to consult a therapist. A trained mental health professional can aid you in getting to the root of your fears, and then start to overcome them. Remember: if you keep putting your visit to the dentist off, your dental problems will only get worse and harder to treat as time goes on.