Dental anxiety is as real as the fear of crowds or fear of snakes. The fear, which affects approximately four percent of American adults, can be so intense that it can cause them to avoid dental visits by any means necessary. However, avoiding dental appointments is detrimental to oral health. If you find yourself postponing or avoiding a dental visit, it might help to learn more about the basis of your fear.
Dentists have many ways of handling dental anxiety. Patients need to be able to share their concerns with the dental professional, including what they are thinking and how they feel. Some people worry about the pain, while for some, it is the strong gag reflex that worsens during dental procedures because of the anxiety.
Dental professionals may administer local anesthesia before starting a dental procedure to reduce pain. However, this only solves one part of the problem, since the entire dental experience is what causes issues for some people. The fear can include everything from losing control and invasion of space to needles, strange noises produced by dental tools, and the smell – all of which can make the patient feel overwhelmed.
This condition is significant in that most dental professionals try to devise ways or techniques to keep their patients relatively comfortable and make the experience pleasant. The first and probably the most important part is to choose the right dentist to ensure the entire process goes without a hitch. This includes asking people for recommendations and creating a potential list of dentists that fits the requirement.
A good idea is to visit the dentist for a consultation, discuss possible concerns, and evaluate the dentist’s response. A good dentist will try to ease their patient’s fears and keep them comfortable once they know the issue. They will recommend tips to ensure their patients get the best experience.
Besides the routine administration of local anesthetic, they may also suggest cognitive behavior therapy, a branch of psychology that teaches people to control their thoughts when faced with a situation that triggers anxiety. Patients with dental anxiety will learn every detail about the procedure so they know what to expect – the goal is to ensure nothing strange happens that might trigger fears or anxiety while treatment is ongoing.
As mentioned earlier, unresolved fear of the dentist can cause people to avoid dental appointments. This can cause simple issues that need simple solutions to worsen into serious dental conditions that may require complex and emergency treatment. Called “vicious cycle of dental anxiety,” this condition causes patients to fear treatment’s repercussions so much that they end up undergoing it because fear prevented them from undergoing preventive treatment.
Most conditions that need complicated procedures are preventable through routine dental checkups and cleanings. Early detection of dental issues means the dentist can provide simpler treatments. If you get nervous at the thought of visiting the dentist, it is advisable to discuss with the dentist how to deal with it.
Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Scottsdale, AZ.
Are you looking for ways to ease your dental anxiety? If so, consider different sedation options. According to the American Dental Association, the type of procedure, your overall health, your history of allergies, and your anxiety level are all considered when determining which approach is best for your particular case. Ready to learn more about…
The fear of going to the dentist has long been a trope used in almost every medium of popular culture, but dental anxiety is a real problem for many people. An excessive nervousness or apprehension that builds before a dental appointment is not uncommon among many Americans. Even those who do not consider themselves to…
Looking for ideas to help you overcome your dental anxiety? Many people experience some level of anxiety and even fear when thinking about going to a dental office. Their feelings can be based on something that actually happened to them during a previous dental appointment, or it can be related to what they think will…
Call us to find out information on how to face your dental anxiety and receive the dental care you need.People who have dental anxiety will avoid visiting the dentist and increase the risk of infection. We can accommodate your needs to help deal with dental anxiety and provide you the necessary treatment.Dental AnxietyAt Sonoran Desert…
Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…