Dental anxiety evokes a feeling of stress revolving around going to the dentist. Dental fear, or dentophobia, is a more serious condition in which people are terrified of dental visits. Those who suffer from these conditions may avoid visiting the dentist altogether, therefore preventing them from receiving the care they need. Regardless of any negative experiences you may have had at the dentist’s office in the past, the right oral health expert can help ease your worries and make you feel safe and comfortable. Read on to learn more about why the dentist is nothing to fear and how sedation dentistry can help you receive stress-free treatment.
8 Common Reasons for Dental Fear or Anxiety
For those who suffer from extreme dental anxiety or fear, the thought of visiting the dentist may frighten them enough to avoid it completely. Some of the most common reasons why people develop these conditions include:
- Fear of injections or that they won’t work
- A feeling of helplessness or a loss of control
- Embarrassment
- Fear of anesthetic side effects
- Loss or invasion of personal space
- Fear of pain of discomfort
- Anxiety from a previous bad experience with a dentist
- Fear of needles
How Dental Sedation Can Help
Fortunately, sedation dentistry may be able to help even the most fearful patients feel relaxed during their dental visits. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, can be beneficial for patients with mild to moderate dental fear. It’s administered through a mask that’s placed over the nose and is safe and effective for both children and adults.
For those suffering from extreme dental fear or those undergoing long procedures, oral conscious sedation is the way to go. It’s taken through a prescription medication and often has an amnesiac effect, which means you won’t remember what happened during your procedure. Since side effects tend to last several hours, you should ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
4 Reasons Why the Dentist Is Nothing to Fear
Going to the dentist ever 6 moths for checkups and cleanings is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy smile and preventing serious oral health issues. A few reasons why the dentist’s office is nothing to fear include:
- Dentists are here to help and want you to feel safe and comfortable during your treatment.
- Through the use of dental sedation and reliable local anesthetic, pain is nothing to worry about.
- Receiving treatment as soon as possible raises your chances of nipping issues in the bud and avoiding bigger problems in the future.
- Gum disease, untreated cavities, and other oral health issues put you at higher risk for a number of conditions, so visiting the dentist twice a year lowers your chances of developing them.
You only have one set of teeth, so make sure to take good care of them. By brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist twice per year, your teeth and gums will remain strong and healthy for years to come!
About the Practice
If you’ve been searching for a team of kind, friendly, talented oral health professionals in the Dyer area, look no further than Advanced Dental Concepts. Dr. Danny Hayes, Dr. Christine Mousa, Dr. Lauren Hansen, Dr. Stephen Koveck, and their talented team treat every patient like family. They offer efficient, effective treatment options such as sedation to help those suffering from dental fear or anxiety receive the treatment they need. Visit Advanced Dental Concepts’ website or call their office at (219) 322-3418 for more information on how dental sedation can help you overcome dental fear.