More than 75% of adults suffer from dental fear or anxiety. If patients avoid visiting the dentist, this can cause them to neglect their oral health and allow serious issues to develop. Luckily, with the right dentist and advancements in dental technology, there won’t be any repeats of bad past experiences. Read on to learn about eight common reasons why people experience dental fear and four reasons why there’s nothing to be afraid of.
8 Common Reasons for Dental Anxiety
Those who suffer from extreme dental fear or anxiety may be so afraid of the dentist that they do everything they can to avoid going. There are multiple things that can lead to these conditions, but some of the most common ones are:
- Trypanophobia – an extreme fear of injections or needles
- Sounds and tools – the unfamiliar tools and noises of the dentist’s office cause some patients to feel anxious and uncomfortable
- Loss of control – like their personal space is being invaded or like they have no control over the situation
- Anesthesia – fear of the potential side effects of anesthesia or worry that it won’t work properly
- Oral health anxiety – feeling anxious about being judged for the state of their oral health
- Unpleasant past experiences – if they had a bad experience with a dentist in the past, this could cause some patients to assume all dental appointments will go the same way
- Costs – feeling stressed out about the cost of treatment
- Algophobia – fear of pain
6 Reasons Why the Dentist Is Nothing to Fear
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is an important part of maintaining good oral health, but you still need to see the dentist every six months to keep your mouth in good condition. If you suffer from dental fear or anxiety, here are a few reasons why dental appointments are nothing to be afraid of:
- Trained professionals – Dentists are well educated and have undergone countless hours of training to ensure that they know the best way to care for you
- The sooner, the better –The quicker you seek help, the more treatable your oral health issues will be. This will also likely save you money on expensive restorative treatments in the future.
- The right dentist – With the right dental health team, negative experiences will be a thing of the past. They will do everything they can to ensure that you’re comfortable during treatment.
- Virtually painless – If you’re worried that treatment will hurt or be uncomfortable, modern dental technology and techniques give your dentist multiple ways to prevent discomfort during procedures.
Visiting the dentist may make you anxious, but there’s nothing to fear. They are here to help you prevent serious oral health complications and to keep your smile bright and beautiful!
About the Practice
If you’re experiencing dental fear or anxiety in Rocky Hill, we’re here to help. Dr. Julia Karpman, Dr. Marc Scoles, Dr. Matthew Scoles, and their passionate team at Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill take pride in administering effective, comfortable treatments in a safe environment. They will do whatever they can to make you feel content during your visits and to help you overcome your dental fear. If you’re interested in learning more about how to overcome your fear of the dentist or want to make an appointment, call Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill at (860) 563-3766 or visit their website.