- Do you feel the anxiety to visit a dentist?
- Does the dental phobia resist you to treat your oral health issue?
Dentophobia has been observed in many people. The anxiety related to dental treatment can happen to anyone regardless of their age. Children with unpleasant dental experience can overcome their fear if the situation is managed correctly and they are well cared for and supported throughout further dental visits. Besides, adults who are worried about dental care tend to remain anxious throughout life. But, this fear can be managed with expert help.
Most of the time, anxious dental patients can find a dentist sympathetic to their situation, so they can cope with going to the dentist agreeing to the treatment.
Have you or your loved ones facing dental anxiety? Not to worry. Here we are presenting useful information about dental phobia that will help you to manage the fear and opt for dental care services for improved dental health.
What is dental phobia?
Dental phobia refers to the stress, fear, or anxiety in a dental setting. When dental fear is severe and results in irrational panic, and complete escape from going to the dentist can be classified as a dental phobia.
Dental anxiety can be linked with specific triggers that include needles, drills, or the dental setting in general.
Sometimes due to past experience or trauma, people resist themselves to visit a dentist. Having a dental phobia can result in delaying or avoiding dental treatment (usually necessary). However, there might be any other cause that triggers dental phobia in a person.
Causes of dental phobia
Dental anxiety can be caused by multiple reasons, but the common causes include:
- Traumatic dental or other healthcare experience(s)
- Past trauma to the head and neck
- Generalized anxiety, depression, or any post-traumatic stress disorder
- Fear of loss of control
- Trust issues, and so on.
If the right cause of dentophobia is identified, the treatment will be simpler and more comfortable. Hence, your doctor insists upon knowing the exact cause of triggering dental anxiety.
The indication of dental phobia might differ from person to person and the severity of the fear. But, there are certain signs and symptoms that people will experience if they are facing dental anxiety.
Signs and symptoms of dental anxiety
People with dental anxiety may experience:
- Sweating
- Increase heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations
- Low blood pressure and possible fainting
- Visible distress, crying, or signs of panic
- Withdrawal or aggression to mask anxiety
Some anxious patients will generally miss dental appointments and may find it challenging to go for dental treatment despite being simple or complex.
Nevertheless, despite the severity of the phobia, dental problems should be treated appropriately to avoid further complications. If the dental phobia is managed prior to the treatment, the person can undergo the procedure. But, the fear or anxiety related to the dental procedure must be managed under expert guidance.
How to manage dental phobia?
While you want to overcome your dental anxiety, try to choose for comfortable dental anxiety. If you want to keep your teeth in good shape, regular dental care services are imperative. Hence, it is a must that people overcome dental phobia before getting the treatment. The first thing to manage phobia is to talk to your dentist. Open up yourself so that the dentist can do her best to help you in managing the phobia and treating your dental issues.
At TruCare Dentistry, we will assist you in making yourself most comfortable. Even if you have anxiety about any dental setting, just talk to us, and we will try our best to deliver you as smooth dental care services as possible. In fact, we have given dental treatment to many people who had dental anxiety prior to the treatment.
However, it is always agreeable to schedule an initial consultation without a full exam or workup. When you visit the dental clinic for the appointment, explain that you experience xenophobia and are not ready to go for a full exam. This primary appointment will let you develop a rapport with our dentist and get used to their style and demeanor.
Sometimes, the dentist may use sedation to help people defeat dental anxiety. As the severity of dental fear will be different among all, let your dentist help you to identify the best way to overcome the phobia. Less severe cases can be well-managed by therapeutic techniques. For instance, talking to a family member before getting treatment will help in overcoming the fear. Also, relaxation techniques will be helpful.
On a general note, your phobia should not hinder you from keeping your health in good shape. Maintaining your dental health is as important as your overall well-being. If the dental anxiety is resisting you to take dental care, talk to your dentist prior to the treatment. At TruCare Dentistry, we understand your anxieties before going for the dental procedure. Let us know your concerns, and we will help you to overcome the fear and deliver you the best dental care services.