Are You Afraid To Go To The Dentist?
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Are you afraid to go to the dentist? Is it because of the sound of dental instruments or the antiseptic smell?
If yes, you aren’t alone.
Call Dr. Steven Kobayashi today at (510) 962-9530 to schedule an appointment.
Many people have some fear of going to the dentist, varying from mild to severe cases of anxiety and discomfort. The phobia is called dentophobia or odontophobia and is the intense fear patients have about going to the dental office for dental care.
Some may manage to go, but can’t sleep the night before and others may end up sick in the waiting room. The extreme instances are people who don’t even see a dentist! The fear, in turn, has severe repercussions on your oral health if not taken care of.
Dental Anxiety Causes and Phobia
Pain
Pain is the most common trigger, especially in adults whose early dental visits were before the start of ‘pain-free’ dentistry.
A feeling of helplessness and loss of control
Many people are afraid of the dentist because they can’t see what’s going on or know when it’s hurt once they sit on the dental chair. It’s this helplessness and loss of control that triggers anxiety.
Embarrassment
Many people refrain from visiting the dentist because of their proximity to the dentist. They are embarrassed about a stranger closely examining their teeth, and it makes them anxious about it.
Bad past experiences
Anyone who had experienced pain and discomfort during previous dental procedures is most likely to be anxious about the next visit.
Dental Phobia Symptoms
Some common symptoms of dentophobia are:
- The thought of a dental visit makes you cry or fall sick
- Trouble sleeping the night before a visit
- The nervous feeling felt in the waiting room
- Breathing problems while your dentist examines your mouth
Improved Dental Technology and Treatments
There’s now however good news for all you people with dentophobia!
Dentists like Dr. Steven Kobayashi, understand your fears and anxiety. Their gentleness, kindness and tranquility make your dental visit as stress-free and painless as possible.
Besides, the dental industry has significantly improved over the past few years, making your painful childhood fears a thing of the past.
Improved technology
There are no longer medieval drills or large needles to be afraid. The latest dental treatment methods use quick-stopping drills and lasers for removing infected areas, and are practically painless.
Dentists can handle nervous patients
Many dentists now use techniques like sedation and relaxation to help nervous patients. They even schedule appointments to a time that best fits you.
No more gases
Dental practices no longer use gas or general anesthetic.
Welcoming and friendlier offices
Dental offices are less clinical and devoid of the typical antiseptic smell you used to find in them.
Considering how dentists treat their nervous patients, and how technologically advanced the dentistry industry is, you no longer need to be afraid of the dentist!
All you need is a dentist you are comfortable with and trust, and the time to discuss your treatment options and procedures. Most importantly, don’t feel embarrassed to tell them you are nervous. Letting them know allows them to help you overcome your anxiety!
