What Are Some Symptoms of Dental Anxiety, and Is It Normal?

If you suffer from significant dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects nearly 20% of the population.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

In this article, we will help you learn how to recognize the symptoms of dental anxiety, how to cope with it, and how proper dental treatment can lead to less stress and a more positive experience at the dentist.

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Mary Lea B.

Carrie and Dr B are awesome!

suzanne

I cannot say enough about Dr. Hoffmann and his incredible staff. I never thought for a second that I would not be terrified to go to the dentist for the rest of my life, but Dr. Hoffmann changed that. I have had extensive work done over the last few months, all pain free. I was missing teeth due to a decades old bridge falling out and Dr. Hoffman made sure I had a beautiful smile in time for my daughter’s wedding. I have never experienced a kinder more compassionate team, when you go, you know you are in good hands. There is more work to be done, but I am no longer afraid, at all. Thank you Dr. Hoffmann, and thank you to your team. You’ve changed my life.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review. Your kind words truly touched all of us. It means so much to know that our focus on compassionate, gentle care and making people feel comfortable is making a difference. Dr. Hoffmann and our entire team are grateful for your trust and for taking the time to share such a heartfelt message. We appreciate you more than you know and wish you all the very best!

I H.

I was terrified of the dentist and had not gone in years. I’m so glad I found Dr Hoffmann. I now can go to the dentist and am not scared to death. He is so kind. So gentle. I’m so grateful!

Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words! We're so glad you had a positive experience with our team. Providing compassionate, comfortable care is always our goal. We truly appreciate your support!

Betsi N.

Melissa did an excellent job making us feel comfortable through the entire process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear you had a positive experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Melissa. We truly appreciate your support!

Suzanne K.

Always a welcoming and comfortable experience for my adult son with IDD. He’s been coming to this office for many years now, and he no longer has anxiety with dental work anymore.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re grateful for your support and are so glad you had a positive experience with our team.

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety means being stressed or anxious about visiting the dentist. Each person is different. Therefore, the cause and intensity of their anxiety will vary. Dental anxiety can be attributed to a variety of factors. Certain things about the dental setting may trigger their stress, such as a fear of needles. The perceived lack of control during a dental appointment can also cause a person to feel uneasy.

Dental fear, dental anxiety, and dental phobia are often used interchangeably but are not all the same. They are different psychological stages. A person who experiences dental anxiety has apprehension or feels a sense of danger or uneasiness in dental situations. On the other hand, dental fear or phobia is regarded as a physiological, emotional, and behavioral response to a feared stimulus.

A person with a dental phobia has a more severe condition than anxiety. They may feel terrified and panic-stricken. They may know their fear is irrational, but they cannot do anything about it. Anxiety will cause some patients to postpone or skip their dental appointments. However, most people still see their dentist despite feeling nervous or stressed. Yet, dental fear or phobia may keep them from going to the dentist, even when in severe pain or in an emergency.

Is Dental Anxiety Normal?

Nearly 75% of Americans feel some anxiety about going to the dentist. As many as 20% have a more significant form of dental anxiety and fear.

There can be many reasons why some people experience fear or anxiety about going to the dentist. Some of the common reasons include the following:

• Fear of pain
• Fear of needles or injections
• Fear the injection won’t work
• Fear of the side effects from the anesthetics
• Fear of not being in control
• Embarrassment or self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth
• Loss of personal space
• Feelings of helplessness
• Dislike of clinical smells

So the simple answer is yes, dental anxiety is normal for more than half of all Americans. Therefore, if you feel this way, you’re not alone.

How to Cope With Dental Anxiety

Fortunately, there are many ways to cope with your dental anxiety or fear. Modern dentistry has made significant advancements in recent years. Many of today’s dental procedures are considerably less painful or even pain-free. If you have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to a severe dental phobia, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann is here to help you. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care you deserve.