Fear of the Dentist: How to Cope with Dentophobia

The secret that lies behind a beautiful and healthy smile is regular home and professional dental care. Though dental services and technologies have progressed greatly, many people are still scared to go to the dentist. Considering the significance of oral health, it is not wise to let your fears prevent you from seeing a dentist at least two times per year.

Dentophobia Definition, Symptoms, and Causes

Some patients start to worry when they need to schedule an appointment at the dentist’s office. If one is afraid of seeing a doctor or having particular dental procedures, they are likely to have Dentophobia. Dental phobia, or the fear of dentists, is a widespread phobia among people of different ages. It can be either mild or severe, and it always comes with signs that are absurd and unusual. Dentophobia symptoms include refraining from the consultation with the dentist until the toothache becomes unbearable. Also, the person may feel anxious when somebody is talking about visiting a dentist or having dental treatment. People who are nervous about going to the dentist often can’t sleep at night before a consultation. Another sign is nervousness while being in a dentist’s chair or even waiting in the hall.

There are several causes of dental phobia that prevent people from caring about oral health properly. In most cases, it is caused by negative experiences, especially in childhood. Not all parents tell their kids tooth fairy stories and properly prepare them for dental treatment. Some people just do not like the tools that dentists use for the treatment of dental problems. Finally, many patients experience extreme fear, lack of empathy, or are not eager to hear the bad news due to a rare visit to the dentist’s office. Any of these causes may contribute to phobia, fear , anxiety and stress in dental patients.

Ignoring Dentophobia: Complications

The state of oral health varies from one person to another depending on dental care and genetics. Some people may see a dentist once a few years and do not face any serious dental issues. Others are more prone to gum disease and cavities despite their excellent dental habits. If you hit the second group, then Dentophobia may cause serious complications for you.

Cavities worsen over time. Untreated small tooth decay may lead to rotten and broken teeth. As a result, root canal therapy is required. Another complication is more social. Currently, people are expected to have shiny and healthy teeth. So, when it is not the case, one may experience a social stigma. Even a good specialist risks facing difficulties while looking for a job. Further, dating may turn out to be a real challenge. People who surround you, including friends, usually start to discuss your dental problems. Sooner or later, you may suffer from depression, isolation, and social anxiety. Finally, dental problems can lead to infections in some cases. Untreated infection may spread, affect tissues, and cause unpleasant medical conditions.  

How to Deal with Dental Phobia?

As can be seen, ignoring Dentophobia is associated with numerous complications. Besides proper home care, you should regularly see a dentist.  If you are scared of the dentist but need treatment, then discover a few ways to cope with Dentophobia:

·         Understand the reason

Once you realize that you have a dental phobia, you need to spot the reason behind it. Some people can’t stand the related pain, the rest are afraid of instruments that the doctor uses. Other reasons include the side effects of sedation and the absence of a skillful specialist by your side.  Only when you understand the reason that makes you say “I’m scared to go to the dentist”, can you find the way out.

·         Find a reliable specialist

With so many people afraid of dentists, you can be sure that a good doctor will not judge you for your fears. Hence, you need to find a reliable dentist in Albuquerque with whom you are comfortable. Ask your friends and colleagues about dental phobia dentist near me, read reviews, and select a dentist for your treatment. Once you are lucky to find an excellent specialist, share all your fears, and ask for the possible ways to get rid of them. You can cope with any dental anxieties when you have a reliable doctor by your side.

·         Keep calm about tooth problems

If poor dental health is one of your dental fears, then you should stop worrying. A good dentist will easily treat any problems and help you get a beautiful and healthy smile. The specialist may also provide you with nice options for keeping your dental hygiene first–class. Do not be shy to discuss embracement with the dentist. It will both make you feel more comfortable and develop a better doctor-patient relationship.

·         Go for proper sedation

If you have discussed all fears with your dentist and no alternatives have helped you overcome them, then proper sedation may be the right option. It allows for painless treatment and pleasant future dental checkups:

•         Oral sedatives.  You can control your anxieties with medicine like diazepam. As a result, you get painless treatment in a short period.
•         Nitrous oxide. If you can’t sleep at night before the dental treatment, discuss it with your dentist. The laughing gas may decrease the anxious thoughts and let you feel better and more relaxed.

·         Intravenous sedation. In case nothing works for dental phobia treatment, you can consider intravenous administration of sedatives. You are going to feel more relaxed once the anesthetic substance goes through your veins.

Last-minute Tips

Are you wondering how to not be scared of the dentist? Consider a few simple tips that will help you stay calm when visiting a doctor:

•         Make an appointment when the dentist has a less busy schedule, for example, early in the morning. There are not so many patients at this time; hence, you will see fewer instruments for work.
•         Take headphones with music to relax.
•         Ask somebody you love to visit a dentist with you, it will help you feel more confident.
•         Exercise deep breathing and try other meditation techniques. This way, you will calm your nerves.

Finally, if you need some break in the course of dental sessions, let your dentist know about it. Thereafter, you can come back at a suitable time.

Bottom Line

If you have a fear of dentists, mind that you are not alone. Many people are afraid of going to the dentist’s office as well. The main point here is to understand that you have some form of Dentophobia. Once you realize the problem, you need dentist phobia help. Otherwise, you may suffer from it during your whole life and harm your oral health. Doctor Gallegos is ready to provide you not only with advanced treatment but also help you overcome dental anxieties.  Believe that you can take all your fears under control with an experienced doctor and get a confident healthy smile easily!