Understanding Dental Anxiety

By some estimates, as many as three-quarters of American adults are at least somewhat uneasy about going to the dentist, so if you’re one of them, you’re not alone.

The best dentists in Lewisville often encounter patients who have delayed seeking treatment because they are reluctant to schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, in such cases, the patients may ultimately end up needing more extensive treatment, which can feed into the dental fear even more.

Some people are so afraid of the dentist that they never go in, even for routine care. This attitude will have negative consequences, too. If you don’t have regular cleanings and check-ups, you’re increasing your chances of experiencing a dental emergency at some point.

It’s important to first understand dental anxiety before you can overcome it. Some patients are unsettled by the loss of control they have in the dentist’s chair. For other people, the fear originates from a past negative experience that created bad feelings. Still others, however, have no direct experience that would warrant dental fear but have learned the attitude from family members, friends or even the media.

Fortunately, your fear doesn’t have to keep you from the dentist’s office. If you have severe anxiety or a true dental phobia, choosing a dentist that offers sedation can help you overcome your qualms.

With sedation, patients receive an anti-anxiety medication from a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. The medication, which can be delivered intravenously or in pill form, then eases the patient into a state of deep relaxation.

Patients who are under sedation remain conscious throughout the procedure, making sedation a better option than general anesthesia. At the same time, patients have no memory of the visit afterward.

When visiting a new dentist, be open and upfront about any discomfort you have when facing a dental appointment. Don’t be ashamed of it. When aware of these feelings, the dentist can be sure to use gentle techniques and a softer touch, which will put many patients at ease.