It’s okay to fear going to the dentist when the time comes to visit for a routine dental checkup or some dental treatment. Besides, you’re not the only one. Millions of people in the US population are scared of the dentist. Perhaps you’ll overcome your fear when you see there’s nothing to be afraid of in the long run. If you have questions about going to the dentist or overcoming your dental anxiety, contact Lovett Dental Northside today at 713-691-5551.
What Causes Dental Phobia or Dental Anxiety?
Feelings of anxiety or fear of the dentist generally arise in people who associate going to the dentist with pain or complications. These are usually individuals who had a traumatic dental experience. Other causes include:
- Fear of injection needles
- Bad attitude from a dentist
- Being afraid of the side effects of anesthesia
- Feeling self-conscious or embarrassed
- A sense of loss of control or personal space
- Fear that anesthesia won’t be effective
5 Good Reasons You Shouldn’t Be Scared of the Dentist
There are plenty of reasons to avoid compromising your oral health because you’re afraid something terrible might happen. Here are five of them:
- It’s Only a Dental Appointment: It can be hard to relax if you have a moderate to a severe fear of the dentist. But thinking of it as just being a dental appointment can help to alleviate your anxiety. You may only be going for a routine checkup, and unless you have severe dental problems, you have nothing to fear. Regular checks are typically non-invasive and painless. Your dentist will check you for tartar, plaque, gum disease, and cavities. Your dentist may also perform X-rays to look for bone loss or oral cancer. In the end, all you’ll probably need is professional teeth cleaning.
- Safe and More Comfortable Procedures: Some people who say they’re scared of the dentist are afraid of the dental tools or procedures. However, modern dental instruments, equipment, and techniques help to make dental procedures less discomforting and, in some cases, pain-free. If your pain isn’t your fear, but the tools are, tell your dentist. He or she will keep them out of your sight to prevent you from tensing up during treatment.
- Anesthesia and Sedation Dentistry: If you still feel nervous or fear pain, your dentist can administer anesthesia to numb your mouth. In most cases, when you ask for local anesthesia, you’ll be numb during the procedure but will remain awake and aware of what’s going on. There is also oral and inhalation sedation dentistry for patients whose dental anxiety is linked to a fear of needles. Sedation involves using drugs to help you relax and stay calm during treatment.
- Relaxation and Entertainment: You probably noticed large TVs and soothing music playing in the dentist’s office background. These are entertainment strategies designed to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while you wait your turn to sit in the dentist’s chair. Feel free to bring your music playlist and a friend or family member to help keep your dental anxiety in check.
- Your Dentist is Human: A kind, caring, and compassionate dentist will listen to your concerns and do whatever they can to make you less anxious. To ease your tension, he or she can explain your treatment in detail before and, step-by-step, during treatment, so you know what to expect. Some dentists may tell you to raise your hands or give another signal if you feel any discomfort or want them to stop the procedure. Knowing that you have control over what is happening can make you less scared of the dentist.
Expect a Positive Experience at Lovett Dental Northside
The next time you feel scared of the dentist, think of Lovett Dental Northside, your local family dentistry. Our trained and experienced dentists and dental hygienists will welcome and treat you in a compassionate environment. We offer several dental services, including:
Call 713-691-5551 to schedule a consultation today and enjoy our stress-free services.
