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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MAYANK S.

We have been taking our son to Dental Anesthesia since 2019. He gets his dental treatment and blood work done at the same time. We find the staff and Dr. Thoms highly professional. They communicate well and provide excellent treatment/services. Getting blood work done during sedation helps us a lot.

Theresa S.

This was my first time coming to the Dental Anesthesia Center, recommended by my sister whose special needs son has seen Dr. Hoffmann for years. I have a very difficult jaw condition resulting from a car accident and Dr. Hoffmann made me feel so immediately at ease that I’ve scheduled some extensive dental work to be done later this summer. I also loved my nurse, Ashley, who was so attentive, sweet and knowledgeable. She made me feel not as an anomaly, but valued and validated, and I hope she will be with me during my upcoming surgery. Thank you, Dr. Hoffmann and Ashley, for welcoming me to your practice!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for trusting our team. We’re honored to provide a welcoming, compassionate experience and will be sure to share your compliments with Dr. Hoffmann, Ashley, and the rest of our staff. We appreciate your support!

Monica S.

Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. And we’re glad you enjoyed the stylish shades too! 😎 We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

Autumn O.

LOVE the Dental Anesthesia Center! The staff is wonderful and a shout out to Dr Thomas!

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Marshall G.

Always a team effort of caregiving based on need state - mental and dental, the doctors have a first class practice at 950 Francis Place. I’ve never heard a judgmental word spoken. They guide you in planning your visit and follow through on the execution every time. Just put your trust in the prevention, treatment and care you’re guaranteed to receive. Your health will benefit and any anxieties or physical limitations can be overcome. Oral care at home (or lack thereof) cannot meet 100% of your needs. The Dental Anesthesia Center will complete it.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We are honored by your trust in our team and appreciate you recognizing our commitment to compassionate, judgment-free care. Providing a safe, supportive experience for every patient is always our goal. Thank you for choosing The Dental Anesthesia Center!

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.