Don’t Let Dental Fear Keep You from Getting the Treatment You Need

Modern and safe anesthesia techniques can allow you to have dental procedures done without the anxiety associated with dentistry.

It is estimated that between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to anxiety or fear. So if you fear going to the dentist, you are definitely not alone.

Sometimes the term dental phobia is used interchangeably with dental anxiety, but dental phobia is a more serious condition. People with dental phobia are terrified of going to the dentist. They typically understand that their fear is irrational, but it doesn’t help change the way the feel.

Whether it’s dental fear, anxiety, or phobia, patients with these feelings usually don’t go to the dentist until forced to do so because they are in extreme pain.

What Causes Phobia and Anxiety?

There are a number of reasons why a person may be nervous or scared of going to the dentist. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Fear of pain: This is a very common reason. This fear generally stems from a dental experience that was painful or unpleasant, perhaps when the person was a child. Others may have heard dental “horror” stories from friends or family members. Fortunately, advances in dental procedures can make a person’s experience pain and anxiety free.
• Fear of having an injection or fear that it won’t work: There are a lot of people who are actually terrified of needles. Others fear that the anesthesia won’t work or that it will wear off during a procedure.
• Anesthetic side effects: Some patients are afraid of the potential side effects of anesthesia like feeling faint, dizziness, or nausea.
• A feeling of helplessness or loss of control: It’s not uncommon for people to feel this way when sitting in the dentist chair. They fear it because their mouth is open and they can’t see what’s going on and they fear not being in control of the situation.
• Embarrassment: Many people self-conscious about their teeth. When people put off going to the dentist and minor problems turn into major issues, it compounds the effect, making it even more difficult the longer they wait.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Your oral health is so important and letting a minor problem turn into a more serious issue only makes the situation worse. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, modern and safe anesthesia techniques can allow you to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.