What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a highly prevalent condition affecting many people. Dental anxiety is a reaction to an unknown danger and is quite common. Most people have some dental anxiety, especially if they have to deal with something they haven’t had before. It’s a fear of the unknown.
What is Dental Anxiety?
What causes Dental Anxiety?
Fear of pain
A very common excuse for avoiding the dentist is pain phobia. These fears often stem from an earlier dental experience that was unpleasant or painful or dental “pain and horror” stories shared by others. Thanks to the many advances in dentistry made over the years, most of today’s dental procedures are done considering anxious patients to reduce their fear.
Fear of injections or fear the injection won’t work
Needles terrify many people, especially when they must be inserted into the mouth. In addition to this fear, others fear that anesthesia is not yet effective or that the dose was not high enough to begin teething.
Fear of anesthetic side effects
Some people are afraid of side effects from anesthesia such as dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Others may not like the rash or “fat lip” associated with anesthesia.
Feelings of helplessness and loss of control
It’s normal for people to feel these emotions considering the situation — they sit in a chair with their mouths open and can’t see what’s going on.
Embarrassment and loss of personal space
Many people feel uncomfortable with the physical proximity of a dentist or hygienist to their mouth. Others feel like their teeth are normal or may be horribly scary.
How to alleviate Dental Anxiety?
Discussing your fears with your dentist is the key to managing dental anxiety. Once your dentist identifies your fears, he or she can work closely with you to find the best ways to reduce your anxiety and improve your well-being. If your dentist doesn’t take your fears seriously, look for another one.
If incontinence is one of the major causes of stress, you can reduce your stress by having a dental consultation with a dentist about your treatment you will be actively involved. Ask your dentist to explain what happens at each stage of the process. This way you can mentally prepare for the future. Another helpful technique is to set a signal when you want the dentist to stop immediately — like raising your hand. Use these cues whenever you feel uncomfortable, need to wash your face, or just need to breathe.