If you have dental anxiety, you are not alone. The fear of the dentist ranges from dental anxiety, which causes distress or fear during dental visits, to dental phobia, which is worse and can cause patients to postpone or avoid dental appointments until the condition becomes an emergency. Avoiding the dentist is detrimental to your oral health and, consequently, your general wellbeing.
The first part of combating dental anxiety is determining the origin of the fear. Some of the common reasons behind the fear of the dentist include:
This fear can come from previous unpleasant dental experiences or listening to others talk about their painful experience. Pain is something everyone wants to avoid, so it is vital to get a dentist that understands this fear and takes proper steps to provide a comfortable experience. Thanks to innovations in modern dentistry, it is now possible to complete procedures painlessly. Anesthetics kick in quickly, and the only sensation patients will feel is the pressure of the dental tools being used. It is important to stay relaxed as nervousness can increase sensitivity to pain.
Many people are scared of needles, especially when it will go into their mouths. Some people are worried about feeling the injection, while others just panic at the sight of the needle itself. The dentist can apply topical anesthetic to numb the gums ahead of the injection. Anesthesia needles do not have to be painful.
Patients can also use distractions to take their minds off the injection and the procedure. A good idea would be to visit the dental office with their headphones to listen to their favorite music or podcast. Some dental offices also provide TVs so patients can relax and watch their favorite shows during treatment.
Some patients may feel vulnerable at the thought of sitting in the dental chair during a procedure without any idea of what is going on. The feeling of losing control could be caused by past experiences of trauma or violence. To beat the sense of helplessness in the dental chair, patients should learn about everything that happens throughout the procedure. The dentist should not have any issue explaining every aspect of the treatment.
Some patients are not proud of their dentition or have breath issues that may leave them feeling self-conscious or embarrassed. They may fear that the dentist will judge them for not caring for their oral cavity properly. In this case, patients need to visit a dentist that makes them feel safe and comfortable. The dentist deals with different patients daily, so they have experience of almost every sight and odor. The dental professional will provide oral health tips to keep the oral cavity in excellent condition.
If dental anxiety is why you have avoided dental appointments, it would be helpful if you spoke to a dental professional about it. Do not be afraid to express your concerns or ask questions. They will be able to take measures to keep you comfortable enough to resolve whatever dental issues you have.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
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