Dental anxiety is relatively common in patients of all ages. While most people think that only children fear the dentist, many adult patients actually do too. Dental anxiety involves feelings of nervousness or fear, which are completely normal and manageable. The first step is to understand dental anxiety and its triggers, which can be helpful when trying to tackle it.
The main cause of dental anxiety is fear, which can split into different categories. Outlined below are the most common areas of fear that cause dental anxiety, all of which are important to review when trying to understand it and why it happens.
Most patients have dental anxiety because they are afraid that there will be pain during an appointment or procedure. However, that is unlikely. Most dental procedures have pain management tools, such as anesthetic or numbing agents to help eliminate any potential for pain or discomfort. For patients who get dental anxiety during a routine appointment, they should rest assured. Routine appointments involve a simple cleaning and examination, in which discomfort is rare.
Another cause of dental anxiety is embarrassment. Some patient's oral or dental health may be in bad shape, which can cause them to be embarrassed when going in for an appointment or procedure. However, it is important for patients to understand that dentists are used to seeing extremely unhealthy teeth and gums, and there will be no judgment from them, thus making feeling embarrassed unnecessary.
Dental anxiety is often caused by a fear of the unknown. Patients may notice something on a tooth or on the gums that they are not familiar with, which can cause feelings of anxiety. It is a good idea to visit the dentist immediately in order to have an evaluation to determine what the unknown is.
Some people experience dental anxiety before an appointment or procedure with the dentist. They may feel nervous that they will not be in control of what is happening in their mouths, which can create dental anxiety. Working with a dentist to understand each step of the appointment or procedure can be helpful in managing the nervous feelings. They can outline each step to help the patient feel more at ease.
One way that patients can take control is by practicing good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene often eliminates the need for unnecessary procedures to treat things like tooth decay, which then eliminates the potential that dental anxiety will occur.
Some patients experience dental anxiety because they fear that there will not be a solution to the problem at hand. There are certain dental conditions that can require a lengthy treatment process, but that does not mean that there is not a solution. Working with a dentist to understand the solution can be helpful in reducing or eliminating dental anxiety.
Need help with managing dental anxiety? Dentists and their assistants are trained to help patients of all ages so they feel comfortable and less anxious. Reach out today to get started or to learn more about the causes of dental anxiety, as well as how it can be managed.
Request an appointment here: https://brianbelldds.com or call Brian Bell, DDS at (559) 366-9006 for an appointment in our Tulare office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Tulare, CA.
ClearCorrect braces, also called ClearCorrect invisible aligners, are a form of teeth straightening that involve transparent trays that are placed over teeth to shift them into a healthier and more attractive position. Treatment times for ClearCorrect braces vary, depending on several factors such as how severe the misalignment is and how well the patient follows…
A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.A…
Many treatments in aesthetic dentistry can be used to affect the way that your teeth look. Transforming your smile starts with a consultation with a dentist, who assesses all the aesthetic issues of your teeth and recommends appropriate actions. A treatment plan is then crafted, addressing all these issues while minimizing how much time you…
A family dentist serves as the front line of defense for oral health and preventive care. They can see patients from childhood all the way through their lives, allowing for a level of continued care, attention, and personal knowledge that is unmatched among other types of dental offices. If you are considering what kind of…