Although it’s easy to understand why you’re afraid of certain things like snakes (they bite!) and sharks (same!), thankfully, in most cases these fears don’t get in the way of your daily life. After all, it’s pretty unlikely that you’re going to encounter a shark on your way to work today. But when your fears begin to prevent you from taking proper care of yourself, such as when you skip routine oral health examinations because you’re afraid of the dentist, even the most reasonable phobias can become extremely dangerous.
The good news is that if you can pinpoint exactly what is causing your anxiety, you have a better chance of overcoming it, and for seeking solutions like sedation dentistry to make your dental appointments a lot more comfortable and a lot less scary! Here’s a closer look at some common reasons patients are afraid to see the dentist, and what you can do to prevent it!
The Most Common Dental Fears
Sometimes, it’s easy to pinpoint exactly what you’re afraid of when it comes to seeing the dentist. Unfortunately, in other cases it may not be so simple to identify. Typically, most dental fears fit into the following categories:
- The fear of dental tools such as picks or drills.
- The fear of the feeling of having your teeth scraped by a pick.
- The fear of pain.
- The fear of an uncomfortable cleaning.
- The fear of seeing blood or bleeding.
- The fear of someone’s hands in your mouth.
- The fear of a large dental bill.
While some of these may be based on a past experience, they may also be based on others’ experiences, or the potential for the situation to occur, whether likely or not.
How to Overcome Dental Fears
Although it’s very common for younger children to experience dental anxiety, most kids typically outgrow this as the age, especially when they have plenty of positive dental experiences to put them at ease. However, should these fears carry into adulthood, there are still many methods you can use to help overcome them, including:
- Bring a weighted blanket with you to your dental appointment.
- Meditate during your treatment.
- Practice deep breathing during treatment.
- Diffuse essential oils with relaxing properties in the exam room.
- Distract yourself with music, videos, or social media on your smartphone or tablet.
- Sedation dentistry.
Another method many patients find helpful is discussing their fears with their dentist before their appointment begins. This can help alert them to your anxiety, and they can work with you to make you more comfortable. Some suggestions many patients find helpful include:
- Asking your dentist to check in with you throughout your appointment to make sure you’re doing okay.
- Asking your dentist or assistant to go slowly.
- Agreeing on a signal such as raising your hand if you need a break during treatment
Fear Itself: The Real Danger of Dental Phobia
Although being afraid of the dentist is more psychological than physical, that doesn’t mean this phobia can’t harm your health. When dental fears cause you to skip or cancel dental exams, not only will your teeth not be as clean as they should be, but missing your regular check-ups can cause dangerous problems like gum disease, cavities, tooth infections and oral cancer to proliferate.
Worse still, because none of these will go away on their own, they can potentially get much worse, causing even more pain and expense to treat later on. Thus, to prevent this, be sure to discuss your fears with your dentist. They are happy to provide you with solutions such as sedation dentistry to help make your upcoming appointment more comfortable and less scary.
Remember, while it is normal to have some fears (rational or not) when they begin to interfere with your ability to care for your smile, that’s when they become a problem. Don’t let dental fears prevent you from taking proper care of your oral health. Speak to your dentist about your sedation dentistry options today and protect your smile without the anxiety.
About Our Practice
At Florida Digital Implants, Dr. Justin Elikofer and Dr. Rodney Holcombe are proud to offer sedation dentistry options for patients who are fearful of dental treatment. Protecting your smile is essential for living a long, healthy life, but avoiding regular care can really take its toll. Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from protecting your teeth and gums. To schedule an appointment for sedation dentistry today, visit our website or call 813-972-9077.