Many people put off going to the dentist, even when they have dental work that needs to be taken care of. When you ask people why they avoid the dentist, many of them are concerned about possible pain, or they dread being told that they may require more dental work than they were expecting. Some people just know that they haven't taken great care of their teeth and are trying to put off a lecture about how they should be doing a better job with their oral care.

Unfortunately for some people, the general nerves about a dental visit are amplified into full-fledged fear because they really hate needles. Trypanophobia (the fear of needles) is number 20 on the list of the top 100 most common phobias in the world. 

Also unfortunately, almost any common dental procedures that go beyond a basic cleaning require novocain, a local anesthetic that numbs the tissues in the mouth. Novocain makes dental procedures much more comfortable for the patient, but since it is injected into your gums through a needle, it adds to the anxiety of some patients.

If you have an upcoming dental procedure, here are some simple things you can do to help you overcome your fear of needles for the administration of Novocain.

1. Remember you are not alone. As many as 1 in 10 people have an irrational fear of needles.
2. Close your eyes. Tell your dentist that needles make you uncomfortable and that you would prefer to never see the needle. Your dentist will understand and let you know when to close your eyes.
3. Wear headphones during your procedure with music that is soothing to you, or a podcast that you can get caught up in—anything to distract you will help. Again, let the dentist know why you are wearing headphones and that they can interrupt with instructions if necessary.
4. Bring a support person. Sometimes, when you start to feel anxious, just having someone you care about to hold your hand and talk to you can make an experience bearable.
5. Seek out treatment in advance. If you really think you can't get through a dental procedure, you can seek out the help of a professional who can gradually desensitize you to your fear. Some people report great success with hypnosis treatment, as well.