How many people look forward to visiting their dentist or doing dental treatments? Even though the treatments are seldom painful, people try to avoid appointments. Dental fear is a psychological problem many people experience in their dental appointments. 

Dental Fear Is a Reality

People who dislike dental care can develop anxiety, which can lead them to evade it altogether. An individual may experience dental phobia when the level of anxiety reaches a point that affects the decisions they make about their health.

Dental fear was present among 24.3% of the participants in a study comparing the prevalence of fears and phobias among 1,959 individuals. There can be several factors contributing to anxiety, and an individual may experience one or more of these factors at the same time.

There are many stressors found in a dental office. Smelling dental compounds, seeing dental instruments, and hearing sounds from these instruments belong to this category. Patients can attribute these sensory responses to prior dental experiences, especially if those experiences were negative. They may have left a lasting impression earlier in life.

Advice to the Phobic Patients

Individuals with dental phobia may experience symptoms of panic and anxiety before or during dental appointments. These attacks can be relieved by taking a prescribed anti-anxiety drug.

A positive thought can help the patients to overcome their fear. They believe that they can gradually overcome this fear.

• Try to gather maximum feedback from a dentist or the dental clinic. This would provide an optimistic approach.
• Communicate your fear with others. This would allow the dentist and the staff to distract you from the fear and let you engage in things you enjoy a lot.
• In addition, mild sedatives can be administered to help frightened patients. Face-to-face communication, answering the patient's questions, and listening to the patient also help relieve anxiety.

It is best to practice healthy dental habits and maintain good oral health, to minimize the need for anxiety-inducing dental treatment.

We Can Help!

Maintaining proper oral health is vital for your overall healthy life. Do not let fear stand in the way of getting adequate dental care. No matter what level of anxiety and fear you experience, we will do everything we can to make sure that you have a comfortable, quick, and simple visit. 

We can help you get the care you need for seamless dental procedures. Visit our clinic at Winning Smiles Family Dentistry,  7801 Old Branch Ave #206, Clinton, MD 20735. For appointments call us at (301) 868-2004.