Want to understand how dental anxiety can get in the way of someone’s ability to get the dental treatment they need for good oral health? Those currently living with any level of anxiety need to take action to address their anxiety to be sure they can get all the dental treatments they need for good oral health.
Very few know what dental anxiety means, and some do not know that it exists. According to Harvard Health, some people are so terrorized by the thought of going to the dentist that they avoid the experience altogether.Some of the more common symptoms of this type of anxiety include a racing heart, sweating, crying, panic attacks, anger, irritability, nervousness, withdrawal, racing thoughts, and an overall feeling of being overwhelmed. In addition, dental anxiety triggers can include hearing a dental drill, thinking about needles, and not fully understanding what will happen during an appointment.
Dental anxiety can stem from a few different reasons, such as experiencing pain during a previous dental appointment, feeling a loss of control during an appointment, and feeling embarrassed due to having a lot of dental problems. While no one wants to experience pain, some people will let the thought of experiencing any dental-related pain overwhelm them. Or they may have experienced a lot of pain during a previous dental appointment, making it so they are now afraid to see a dentist.
A loss of control can also bring about anxiety, as many people need to know what will happen to feel better prepared. In addition, when it comes to embarrassment, those with oral problems, like badly damaged teeth or bad oral hygiene, do not want to be judged, triggering anxiety when thinking about going to the dental office.
Those who experience any level of anxiety can use one or more of these tips to help them cope once it comes time to go to a dental office. Some of the tips require doing things days and even weeks before it is time for them to go to their dental appointment.
Some of the more common tips used that have proven to be helpful include bringing a friend, getting plenty of sleep, listening to music during the appointment, using breathing techniques, and meeting the dental team before the appointment to ask questions and/or get an overall tour.
The tips above are beneficial, making it a good idea for those living with anxiety to try them out to find out which ones will benefit them. Know that our dental team is available when needed.
Request an appointment here: https://www.angelafennell.com or call Angela S. Fennell DMD, PC at (256) 660-3089 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Huntsville, AL.
Dental anxiety often arises when patients feel afraid or worried about visiting their dentist's office, whether it be for a routine appointment or necessary procedure. However, even outside of organic feelings, there are a lot of myths that enhance dental anxiety. With the help of a dentist, myths can be set straight. Ready to learn…
Choosing the right dentist is important when addressing dental anxiety. Some dentists are fully prepared to address their patients' anxiety, while others place various levels of importance on how to treat patients who experience anxiety. When the right dentist is chosen, patients are more likely to make it to their regular dental appointments, supporting their…
For many people, dental anxiety is a common thing. Whether the anxiety stems from a bad experience, the fear of pain or embarrassment about the personal state of teeth and gums, this emotion can be detrimental to one’s overall oral health. Because of anxiety or fear, some patients may postpone making a dental appointment, even…
There are many people out there who are afraid of the dentist, but most of these feelings are unfounded. A dentist's clinic is not a place that should refresh negative memories in the patient's mind. A dentist clinic should represent a place people go to get rid of pain and discomfort,About 75 percent of people…
Learning more about your options for getting new dentures is necessary, as you need to make a choice that works for you. This requires thinking about your current lifestyle and how denture care will fit in. Denture care is very important, as when you take proper care of your dentures, they can last many years.Finding…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more teeth and want to enhance your oral health and self-esteem. The dental bridge can restore your smile’s appearance and allow you to chew normally once more. If you are considering this treatment, this article outlines all the steps involved so…