Categories: Patient Education

FAQ: Dental Anxiety And Fear

Closeup portrait young terrified girl woman scared at dentist visit, siting in chair looking at doctor doesn't want dental procedure, drilling, tooth extraction, isolated clinic office background

More than 30% of people in the United States have a fear of seeing the dentist, also known as dentophobia. The staff at Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry Pella, IA, are aware of the many anxieties that can be associated with this fear and are here to help you. In today’s blog, we are here to discuss the causes of this phobia, how to help, and the benefits of seeing the dentist.

Causes of Dentophobia

There is no singular cause for this fear. People may have had a poor experience with a dentist in the past, worry that their oral health will be scolded, have anxiety regarding certain treatments, or dislike the sounds of dental tools. These are all valid reasons, and we understand. Our staff is here to help you feel more comfortable in the chair because taking care of your teeth is important to your health.

Helping Ease Your Worries

One of the best ways to overcome this fear is through exposure. We recommend that parents begin bringing their children to the dentist as soon as they grow their first teeth. This helps the child become more comfortable with the staff so that they do not grow up scared of the dentist.

When it comes to the fear of embarrassment, you can be at ease knowing our staff is here to help you. Many patients worry that their teeth are so bad that the dentist will scold them. No matter what the condition of your smile is, we are here to help you so that you can have the best oral health possible.

It is also common to be scared of oral surgery and other treatments. To help make you more comfortable during this process, we can offer different forms of sedation. In cases of extreme anxiety, we may offer sedation during normal checkups and cleanings so that you can feel relaxed. Speak with your dentist to come up with the best plan for you.

Cleanings And Examines Are Beneficial To Your Health

Your oral health is linked to health in the other parts of your body, which is why it is so important to seek preventive care. Regularly visiting the dentist allows for the early detection of cavities, gum disease, and more. By treating these problems early, you can decrease the chances of needing more invasive procedures. You do not need to love seeing the dentist, but you should include it in your regular health checkups twice a year.