More than half of all adults fear going to the dentist. Half of these attribute their fear to painful childhood memories.
Several factors go into the success of dental treatment, but none is as crucial as professional dental care. Sadly, many people don’t visit the dentist because they have some phobia, making them stop going for check-ups or dental extraction.
When you ask them, they give you varied reasons why they are running away from the dentist. The good thing is that there are some things you can undertake to reduce the anxiety that comes with dental treatments.
Phobia: Fear of Potential Pain
The most common cause of dental anxiety is the fear of potential pain. This can arise due to an experience the person had when he was still young, or what he heard from a friend that experienced soreness after a dental procedure.
Even if a previous dental procedure has been painless, the thought of a long-standing memory will make it hard for you to attend upcoming appointments. Understanding this before your next appointment can help reduce the phobia and make you enjoy your experience.
Solution
To ease pain, the dentist uses anesthesia. This will be discussed with the dentist when you come for the treatment. The dentist will tell you about the various anesthesia options and help you choose the best one. The dentist also knows that anyone who experiences intense pain while at the dentist will fear going to the dentist the next time.
The dentist also knows that comfort and safety are a priority for you. He will treat you gently and make sure you are comfortable before, during and after the procedure.
Phobia: Worry of the Unknown
Another common cause of the phobia is the fear of the unknown. Due to the nature of dental treatments, you won’t be able to see what the dentist is performing to the mouth and therefore, you aren’t sure what to expect. Addressing this concern early enough will make you be at ease with what the dentist is doing and will leave you assured of the outcome.
Solution
You don’t need to worry about the unknown because the dentist has performed so many procedures, and he is qualified to perform them on your case as well. The dentist has undergone training to make sure you get the best outcome from the treatment.
Phobia: Phobia of Equipment Used in Dentistry
The thought of having needles in your mouth is so traumatizing for many people that they end up bearing with pain when in the real sense, they would have had their tooth out ages ago.
Many people have a phobia for drills. The sound of the drill will most certainly make some people postpone a dental appointment.
Solution
The dental office has proper equipment that has been designed specifically for handling your teeth and other tissues. They have been tested extensively and found to be safe. The dentist has trained himself in the proper use of the equipment, which means you don’t need to worry about anything; you are in good hands.
Phobia: Fear of Ridicule
Some people feel embarrassed about the condition of their teeth and oral tissues. They think that the dentist will notice that they haven’t been taking proper care of their teeth and might confront them.
Solution
In this case, you need to know that the dentist has seen teeth in all conditions, even worse, and they won’t judge you. The dentist aims to help you get the best treatment for your case.
Signs You Suffer from Dental Phobia
There are a few pointers that show that you have dental phobia. These include:
- You have trouble sleeping at night before the appointment.
- You feel nervous, a feeling that escalates when you get to the dental office.
- Getting hysterical at the thought of going to the dentist.
- Uneasiness at the thought of objects being placed in your mouth.
The Bottom-line
Dental phobia occurs in many people, regardless of age and gender. When you fear the dentist, you won’t get the services you desire. To help alleviate these phobias, you need to work closely with your dentist. Visit us today to understand what we do best – giving you top quality dental services.
