Statistics show that more than 50% of the population in the United States does not seek regular dental attention. To some, it’s because of lack of dental coverage and cannot simply afford a visit the dentist’s office while to others, it’s because they just too busy with other issues of life, work children etc. The biggest part of the pie goes to people who have severe apprehension with dental treatment because of a phobia.
What is Dental Phobia? - It is the fear of dentists and everything to do with them.
Do you have severe anxiety about dentistry and have been avoiding dental visits for many years or decades? Well, you are not alone. Many of us experience dental phobia but to various extends. Due to this fear, some people find themselves in denial of dental problems, even with extreme pain.
A dental phobia isn’t a simple fear or anxiety with dentists or dental treatment, but a serious issue that can be helped.
Other common characteristics of dental phobia include: frequently breaking dental appointments, significant tension the evening prior to your dentist visit, feeling physically ill and tense at the thought of having a dental injection, anxiety at the sight of dental instruments, sweaty palms or gripping of armrest in a dental chair, rapid heartbeat and the overwhelming feeling of lack of control.
Avoiding Dental Care
Avoiding dental care can be detrimental. Problems associated with avoiding dental care, such as chronically infected gums and teeth, can lead to the inability to chew and digest.
Without healthy gums and teeth, your speech can be altered, halitosis can develop and your self-confidence can be affected.
Left untreated, undiagnosed dental problems lead to infection and contribute to a decrease in overall health.
Help for those who experience Dental Phobia
The first step is finding a good dentist that is patient, competent, caring, and has the ability to nature.
Openly discuss the matter with your dentist before any dental procedure. Most dentists understand the problem and will be gentle and try to make the experience as pain-free as possible.
Other treatment options:
- Local anesthetic that does not contain epinephrine, which can make the heart race and escalate the sense of panic.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Pre-medication with anxiety-reducing drugs
- Acupuncture to relieve symptoms
- Hypnosis
- Psychotherapy
The most you can do is to convince yourself that the experience isn’t that bad and that it’s worth every effort you made to take care of your teeth.
Try to think about the following points- may make you feel better.
- Nothing bad will happen to you while at the dentist's chair
- This worked for me- closed my eyes and mentally placed myself in some very beautiful beach. I could clearly see the beautiful birds flying around, blue water, people relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. Before I knew it, the dentist announced that the tooth was out- it was a tooth extraction.
- Think of dentist as highly trained professionals and trust them to do the right thing.
- The pinch of the needle will only last for a few seconds, and then you will be all numb.
Self-Help for Dental Phobias and Fears
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