WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF DENTAL ANXIETY?

Posted on Dec 17, 2015
It is quite common for people to fear going to the dentist. There are many reasons a person may feel fear when thinking about going to the dentist. Those fears may even prevent people from getting the proper dental care they need, from preventative dentistry to emergency dental procedures. Fortunately, there are options available to ease fears and reduce anxiety to make a visit to the dentist a much more pleasant experience. In many cases, talking to your dentist about your hesitations can help address the problem, and you and your dentist can determine a treatment plan that helps you feel comfortable. For many people, sedation dentistry offers a solution to reduce anxiety. Continue reading to learn more about some common causes of dental anxiety.

Negative Past Experiences

Unfortunately, some people have had a negative experience at the dentist that will make them view all dentists negatively. While it is not likely that there is anything to be done to fix a past experience, there are ways to ease anxiety about future visits. One of the best things you can do is talk to your dentist about your negative experience so a similar one can be avoided.

Anxiety about Not Being in Control

When you are a dental patient in the dentist’s chair, you do not have much, if any, control over the situation. For some people, this is enough to not want to visit the dentist. Avoiding putting themselves in a situation where they are not in control can be a reason a person has dental anxiety. It is reasonable to ask your dentist to talk through a procedure or cleaning ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect. Your dentist or dental hygienist can explain everything as it is happening.

Worries about Pain

In addition to psychological reasons, some people avoid the dentist due to fear of pain. Many people have painful experiences at the dentist, especially individuals who are more sensitive to pain. Sedation dentistry offers options to allow for pain-free dental visits with the use of anesthetics.