More common than many realize, fear of going to the dentist affects between 9% and 15% of Richmond dental patients. In fact, many say they avoid visiting the dentist because of this fear or anxiety. They often exaggerate their worries through a feeling of anxiety about an upcoming visit to the dentist. Richmond cosmetic dentistry professionals believe that through our painless and gentle dental techniques, Richmond dentists can alleviate even the most severe anxiety.
Richmond dentists find that people who exhibit dental phobia show a more serious condition that leaves victims terrified and panicked. They will go out of their way to avoid going to the dentist, the classic avoidance behavior. People with dental phobia also have the following signs:
o Increased feelings of nervousness in the dental office prior to the visit
o Feeling physically ill or mentally upset at the thought of going to the dentist
o Trouble sleeping before dental exams
o Intense restlessness in anticipation and when objects are placed in the patient’s mouth that cause a sensation of shortness of breath.
Patients with dental phobia are usually only driven to visit a dentist by extreme pain. Fortunately, there are many ways to help people who suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia visit a Richmond pain-free dentist for care.
First, investigate the cause of dental anxiety or dental phobia:
o Fear of pain, the most common reason for not visiting the dentist, usually stems from a negative experience that was painful or unpleasant.
o The fear of pain from the bites used also generates anxiety in many people.
o Fear of injections, needles terrify many people. Also, many people fear that the anesthesia is not fast or strong enough to mask local discomfort.
o Fear of side effects of anesthesia, such as numbness, dizziness, nausea, fainting, or pain.
o The fear of lack of control also affects many considering the patient’s inability to see what is happening.
o Fear of lack of personal space affects people who feel uncomfortable because of the dentist’s closeness to their face.
o Fear of embarrassment or judgment due to the appearance of the teeth or odors from the mouth also prevents many patients from receiving appropriate care.
Many advances in pain-free dentistry contribute to the many advances toward the goal of reducing and eliminating pain and discomfort in dentistry. The best tool is at our disposal. Contact your dentist about how you can work together to alleviate your anxiety or fears. Music played on headphones helps patients tune out and decreases anxiety. Nitrous oxide is also a soothing anesthetic option now available to most patients.
Talk to your dentist today about ways to alleviate your fears and anxiety and start treating your teeth the way they’re meant to be treated. Schedule an initial visit with your Richmond dentist today.