Dental anxiety is common, affecting an estimated 36% of the population. Unfortunately, this anxiety can hold people back from going to the dentist and receiving the care that they need to maintain their oral health.
Understanding dental anxiety, what causes it, and how to improve it can help you overcome this prevalent phobia.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety refers to any anxiety, fear, or stress caused by visiting the dentist. This fear can range from mild to severe. Patients may have some anxiety surrounding dental settings, but attend their regular dental appointments anyway. However, patients with more severe dental anxiety are likely to put off or avoid dental treatment entirely.
If you have dental anxiety, you may experience the following symptoms in dental settings:
- A racing heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Crying
- Aggression
- Dizziness or faintness
- Low blood pressure
What Triggers Dental Anxiety?
There are many plausible reasons why going to the dentist can cause anxiety. Some of these include:
- Having a traumatic experience at the dentist in the past
- A fear of pain
- A fear of drilling, needles, and other dental instruments
- Discomfort with having someone in your personal space
- A fear of anesthesia
The Risks of Dental Anxiety
Going to the dentist twice per year for cleanings, as well as additional appointments for treatments as needed, is crucial to your long-term oral health. Dental anxiety can make patients avoid appointments, often leading to plaque buildup and a higher risk of dental problems, including gum disease, bad breath, and loose teeth.
How To Cope With Dental Anxiety
One of the most effective ways to cope with dental anxiety is to communicate with your dentist.
Talk to your dentist about your concerns at the start of your appointment (or before the appointment, if possible). They can explain every step of the treatment to you, answer questions, and suggest relaxation techniques to make you feel more comfortable. Your dentist may also recommend nitrous oxide or conscious sedation to ease your anxiety for certain treatments.
At Dental Implant Solutionz, we’re here to make you feel comfortable at your appointment, from start to finish. To learn more, contact us today!
