Although proper oral health is a vital part in overall well-being and quality of life, many individuals will avoid dental visits altogether due to some form of dental phobia or anxiety. Because of this, people with dental anxiety are at a greater risk of developing oral complications such as gum disease and tooth loss.
If you experience fear or apprehension about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Recent dental health studies have shown that as high as 80 percent of adult Americans dread dental visits, more than half revealing that these very feelings keep them from seeing their dental care professional.
But, what is the actual cause for this fear? Below we will discuss possible sources for dental anxiety, fear, or phobia and what you can do to help overcome these debilitating feelings.
Recognizing the Possible Causes for Your Dental Fear
• Negative Past Experiences- one of the most common causes contributing to dental fear is due to bad dental visits or treatments in the past. If perhaps a previous procedure was painful or resulted in complications, a patient may develop severe apprehensions about revisiting the dentist.
• Pain- most individuals dread going to the dentist simply out of fear of pain or discomfort.
• Loss of Control- some patients feel as if they are losing control when in the dental chair and may find it overwhelming when a dentist or a member of their team are examining their mouths. They typically associate the feeling with helplessness or being trapped.
Overcoming Your Dental Apprehensions
There are many ways to help alleviate any apprehensions you may have about going to the dentist. Here are a few ways to help you do so.
• Recognize Your Fears- to better understand your fears; you need to come to terms with your dental anxiety or fear. Write your fears down, so that you can talk about them more easily. Listing your fears will not only help you recognize them, but it will also aid your dentist in explaining what’s causing your anxiety or phobia and thus, properly address them.
• Communicate Your Fears and Anxiety- communication is key! Even before you schedule your appointment, it is best you vocalize your apprehensions. This way, you’re letting your dentist a better chance at gauging your situation for he or she to tailor your treatment accordingly.
• Bring a Companion During Appointments- having a trusted friend or family member with you at your dental visit can help provide that extra cushion of support you need. If possible, see if your loved one can still keep you company even during the procedure.
• See if Sedatives are Appropriate- specialized sedation can be administered to help keep patients calm and relaxed during treatment. Be sure to discuss which sedation methods are available and advisable with your dentist.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques- controlled breathing, which involves taking a deep breath and letting it out very slowly can help you relax your muscles tensed by anxiety and slow your heartbeat.
At Ridgway Dental, father and son dentists, Dr. Jonathan H. Jacobs, and Dr. David J Jacobs have the compassion and experience to understand the feelings of dental phobia. We do all we can to ensure proper communication, and we make sure patient respect is present with each visit. Contact our personable team for you tailored dental appointment today!