Some people have moderate anxiety just thinking about going to a dental clinic, while others suffer from a crippling dread of dentistry or teeth altogether. A phobia of dentists can be brought on by several causes, including traumatic memories of the dentist or even just the smell and noise of the office.
Most people have some degree of dental “apprehension” due to concerns about their teeth, how they look, and the expense of dental care. But you are experiencing dental anxiety when your fear level rises over apprehension.
Regular dental care is essential for the health of your teeth, gums, and the rest of your body, so it is worth it to conquer your fear of the dentist. If you suffer from dental anxiety, several solutions can help you overcome it with the help of a dentist in Kensington, CA.
What causes my fear of the dentist?
A lot of people feel the same way about dental anxiety. About 15% of patients experience anxiety when it comes to dental procedures. Most of us can schedule a dental appointment with no anxiety whatsoever, but for the frightened, there are a lot of things that can make you nervous, such as:
- Anxieties
Dentists can alleviate your fear of pain so you can finally book that dental appointment you have been putting off. Whether you are in for a routine cleaning or a more involved restoration procedure, modern dentistry offers many options to ensure you are entirely comfortable throughout your consultation.
- Being scared of the needles
This happens frequently, even among those who do not typically feel anxious when seeing the dentist. Fortunately, dentists can tackle this issue by administering nitrous oxide to help you relax. This way, you will not even notice that a needle is being used during your treatment.
- Feeling powerless
Feeling powerless during treatment is a contributing factor to some people’s anxiety. Because you cannot express yourself, you may be anxious about informing your dentist of any pain or suffering you may be experiencing. Specific individuals may experience a sense of confinement when seated in the dental chair if they suffer from claustrophobia or another phobia.
- Feeling ashamed
Even though they may be aware of problems with their teeth, individuals who have avoided the dentist for a long time may still be ashamed of how their teeth look or how poorly their oral health is. Nobody on the dental staff wants you to feel wrong about interacting with them; after all, they are prepared to handle any problem that may develop and give you the treatment you need to restore your oral health.
