The fear of going to the dentist has long been a trope used in almost every medium of popular culture, but dental anxiety is a real problem for many people. An excessive nervousness or apprehension that builds before a dental appointment is not uncommon among many Americans. Even those who do not consider themselves to have anxiety may experience some discomfort at the thought of seeing the dentist. The causes of dental anxiety are rooted in several issues, and learning about those causes can be one way to overcome them.
Everyone is different, so no one person has the exact same fears when it comes to a dental appointment. However, these are several general categories from which most anxieties stem.
Traumatic events can leave a person afraid of history repeating itself, and a bad time at the dentist’s office is no exception. If someone remembers a visit that caused pain or discomfort, they may be hesitant to return. Even experiences that caused no pain but were tedious and uncomfortable can lead to slight dental anxiety.
When more intensive treatments are needed to repair a tooth, it is not surprising to see a needle in the dentist’s office. Many people have a general fear of needles. Being in a place that already makes a patient uncomfortable can double the anxiety that is felt beforehand.
A mythos of horror has always circled dental offices because of negative stories and a tray of diabolical-looking instruments. More likely than that, however, is a past incident that caused pain in someone’s mouth. That can make a patient anxious that the pain will happen again or something worse will happen next time. Fortunately, dental treatment has become a fairly exact science in modern times, eliminating much of the potential for pain.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in San Francisco, CA.
A patient is in the hands of the dentist during most of an appointment. It can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to have no control over what is happening inside one’s own mouth. Personal space is easily breached by a dentist, causing anxiety that makes people avoid an appointment for too long.
Avoiding the dentist can harm one’s oral health and cause greater problems in the future. There are ways to handle anxiety in a successful and healthy manner that allow patients to see the dentist on a regular basis.
A patient can try practices like meditation, taking deep breaths, relaxing muscles, listening to music or watching something to distract from a future appointment. Techniques like these can calm the mind and make an appointment less stressful.
If anxiety is severe, seeing a therapist may also help a patient cope with going to the dentist. A professional who specializes in behavioral therapy may be able to guide a patient through these fears.
Sometimes a good option for easing dental anxiety is simply informing the dentist about your specific fears. If a dentist understands what makes a patient uncomfortable, they can work to make the visit as easy as possible.
Request an appointment or call Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
It goes without saying that good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. Our dental practice is here to offer advice to help you avoid common oral health issues. By following expert tips, you can keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Here are seven oral hygiene tips from the Serenity Dental Spa…
Helping younger patients establish healthy dental habits starts with the right environment and guidance. From the first visit, a dental practice has the opportunity to set the stage for positive oral care habits that will last into adulthood. The approach taken during these early years can make a big difference in how children view oral…
A general dentist plays an essential role in maintaining lifelong oral health by providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care for patients of all ages. While specialists focus on particular aspects of dentistry, a general dentist provides a wide range of services to address routine needs and detect issues early. Understanding what distinguishes a general dentist…
It goes without saying that good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. Our dental practice is here to offer advice to help you avoid common oral health issues. By following expert tips, you can keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Here are seven oral hygiene tips from the Serenity Dental Spa…
Helping younger patients establish healthy dental habits starts with the right environment and guidance. From the first visit, a dental practice has the opportunity to set the stage for positive oral care habits that will last into adulthood. The approach taken during these early years can make a big difference in how children view oral…