Categories: Dental Anxiety

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

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.

What does dental anxiety mean?

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.

What can cause someone to experience dental anxiety?

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.

Tips for addressing dental anxiety

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.

Currently, experiencing any level of dental anxiety?

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://impladentdentistry.com or call Impladent Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (714) 677-9452 for an appointment in our Anaheim office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Anaheim, CA.

Related Posts

How Common Is Dental Anxiety?

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…

What Dentists Want You To Know About Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is fear that is almost as prevalent as the fear of snakes or the fear of heights. About four percent of American adults face the problem. The fear is so strong that there are people who avoid going to the dentist at all costs. But doing so can be very harmful to their…

Dental Care Will Keep Your Smile Bright

If you have any dental anxiety over a checkup, we can work to accommodate your needs and handle the anxiety.People who have dental anxiety will avoid visiting the dentist and increase the risk of infection. We can accommodate your needs to help deal with dental anxiety and provide you the necessary treatment.Dental AnxietyAt Impladent Implant…

A General Dentist Shares 4 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide

While nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can be intimidating and confusing, your general dentist is ready to answer any questions you may have about this option for anesthesia. As any medical treatment is nothing to laugh at, it is important to understand what nitrous oxide is and how it works before deciding with…

Impladent Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry

Share
Published by
Impladent Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent Posts

What Is a Dental Crown and When Do You Need One?

If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why…

2 weeks ago

4 Tips for Getting Used to Your Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are becoming increasingly popular. Dentures are a practical tooth replacement option, but it…

2 weeks ago

Caring for Your Dental Veneers: Tips for Long-Lasting Results

With dental veneers, a dentist can change the tooth’s size, color, and length by attaching…

2 months ago

Orthodontics: 3 Ways to Tell if Clear Aligners Are Right for You

Traditional metal braces were the go-to way to improve the alignment of a person’s teeth…

2 months ago

What’s Involved in the Dental Bonding Procedure?

Understanding the process that dentists use with dental bonding should help you decide if treatment…

2 months ago

Transforming Your Smile: Steps to a Successful Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can aesthetically breathe new life into your smile and help you feel…

4 months ago