Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Going to the dentist isn’t the ideal way a lot of people want to spend their day, but for a portion of the population, the anxiety and fear they feel will actually cause them to avoid going to the dentist all together. If sitting in a dentist’s chair gives you feelings of anxiety and stress, you’re not alone. An estimated 9-15% of Americans will avoid seeing the dentist because their fear and anxiety. Not going to the dentist can be extremely harmful for your oral health. In fact, people with dental phobias or anxiety will put up with periodontal disease, tooth aches and general oral discomfort because of their dental fear. Oral problems that could be avoided with regular dentist check-ups are then free to continue and gradually get worse. The estimated 40 million Americans who avoid the dentist are more likely to suffer from gum disease, tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. There are different procedures like dental implants to remedy tooth loss, but we recommend dealing with your dental fear head on for the sake of your oral health. Dr. Keith Cooper, San Jose dentist, shares how to overcome your dental fear.

The Root Cause of Dental Fear

Fear of the dentist can be caused by a number of things, but we’ve noticed many older patients develop a fear of the dentist because of poor past experiences. Those who are older had experiences at the dentist’s office when dental technology was not as advanced. Other causes of dental fear include:

• Fear of pain
• Embarrassment
• Loss of control
• Fear of needles or other dental tools

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

If you are dealing with dental fear, there are several ways to alleviate the anxiety and fear you feel. The most important thing to remember is your oral problems will only progress if you don’t see a dentist, causing your treatment to become more extensive. Here are a few tips to reduce your fear and anxiety.

• Bring a friend or family member for support
• Talk to your dentist beforehand
• Distract yourself with something else
• Practice breathing techniques
• Take breaks between treatment
• Consider anesthesia or other medication
• Avoid caffeine or anything that might make you jittery
• Talk to a professional

Contact our Office

Don’t let your dental fear stop you from getting treatment of restoring your smile if you’re dealing with tooth loss. Here at Contemporary Dental Arts, we strive to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed no matter what treatment you require. If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental implants, contact our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.