So, let’s say you want to visit your local dentist for treatment. Whether it’s to make your smile healthier or shinier, you’re ready to improve your teeth and gums. However, there’s a problem: you have a dental phobia but don’t know why. As a result, you often feel anxiety at the prospect of dentist appointments. How should you overcome the issue? Well, you can start by learning your phobia’s cause. Read on to learn about dental anxiety, its causes, and the best ways to manage it.
What’s Dental Anxiety?
Fundamentally, dental anxiety is any fear, anxiety, or stress associated with a dental setting. It often makes patients fear their dentist, thus prompting them to delay or avoid treatment. Needles, drills, or even dentist offices can generally trigger dental anxiety.
When the condition is severe and causes an irrational fear of dentists, it qualifies as a dental phobia.
What Causes It?
Dental anxiety can be caused by:
- A Traumatic Experience: If you once had a bad healthcare experience, you might assume a dentist appointment will go poorly as well. Such an incident can involve head injuries, physical abuse, and more.
- Mental Health Issues: Sometimes, dental anxiety is just an expression of more generalized anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Sense of Personal Space: You may view your mouth as a personal area, which means accessing it is an invasion of your body. If so, that could inspire feelings of powerlessness, loss of control, etc.
- Trust Problems: As an individual, you may struggle to trust that others want what’s best for you. Among other things, this can result in you seeing dentists as deceptive.
How Do You Manage It?
Dental anxiety can be managed with coping techniques, dental treatment, or both.
Research shows that some practices can reduce dentist-related fear. These include deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation, and hypnosis. If needed, counseling can also be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy has had success in treating dental anxiety.
On the other hand, your dentist could sedate you during your treatment. Whether it uses nitrous oxide, oral medication, or anesthesia, this approach can keep you calm and relaxed throughout the appointment.
As you can see, learning the causes of dental anxiety isn’t that hard. Still, feel free to talk to your local dentist if you have other related questions!
About the Practice
Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry is based in Fayetteville, NC. As led by Dr. Angela C. Ruff, the practice specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. As necessary, it also provides dental sedation and emergency dental treatments. No matter the service, you’ll receive quality results that’ll transform your teeth and gums for the better. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (910)-630-6199.