Dental anxiety is common among children and adults. Thankfully, a family dentist has tools and techniques to help patients manage their anxiety while completing preventative and restorative dental work. This article will explore dental anxiety, how to manage it, and how to overcome it.
Dental anxiety is when a patient feels fearful, stressed, or anxious about entering a dental setting. For example, they may feel anxious about a particular tool, professional teeth cleanings, or more extensive dental procedures like root canals. Dental anxiety can lead to a dental phobia, a severe fear of the dentist often characterized by missed appointments and going years without a checkup.
Everyone experiences dental anxiety differently. Some people may cry before seeing the dentist; others may mask their fear with humor. Most often, dental anxiety will manifest as one or more of the following symptoms:
A negative or even traumatic experience at the dentist or in another healthcare setting could cause a patient to feel anxiety about dental work. It is also common for patients with anxiety and panic disorders to have their nervousness transferred over to a dental setting. Other causes of dental anxiety include:
Anyone can be affected by dental anxiety. There is no age limit. Our family dentistry practice strives to make patients of all ages feel as comfortable as possible.
While family dentists cannot treat dental anxiety, they can help patients with dental anxiety make it through the appointment. To do so, patients or someone on behalf of the patient can inform our office of evidence of dental anxiety, and we can arrange accommodations. The sooner the patient informs the dentist, the better.
Many patients find listening to music or podcasts helpful while getting their dental work done. Having a hand signal that the patient can use if they need a break can also help, especially if the patient’s dental anxiety stems from claustrophobia or fearing a loss of agency. Our dentist may be able to use dental hand instruments in lieu of a specific tool that is causing excess stress, like the ultrasonic scraper. Other times, the dentist may speed up the process while ensuring the patient's safety so that the appointment is as short as possible.
Dental anxiety has no cure, but its symptoms can be managed and minimized. If dental anxiety starts to get in the way of the patient’s life, we recommend they consult a mental health professional. In the meantime, a family dentist can help them manage dental anxiety with the abovementioned techniques.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Gainesville, GA
It is never too late to get dental treatment, even if it has been years since the last checkup. Our family dentist will work with the patient to minimize dental anxiety symptoms. When you are ready, give our team a call. We are happy to answer any questions and address any concerns.
Request an appointment or call GDC Smiles at 770-504-5725 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
Choosing a family dentist is one of your most important healthcare decisions. This professional will likely be your family’s dental home for a long time. It is, therefore, important to choose someone who is professional and personable and whom you can trust with your and your family’s dental health.The best way to start a new…
Curious about how to achieve good oral health? Read on to learn about how a family dentist can help. A family dentist treats patients of all ages and provides comprehensive dental care. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to your health and well-being. Preventing dental issues and keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires regular…
Oral health is important to one’s overall health. A family dentist can provide regular dental checkups, teeth cleanings, and restorative and preventive dental treatments. With such a broad range of services, patients tend to have many questions about family dentistry. In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions we hear at our…
Dental crowns reinforce a decayed or damaged tooth, restoring its function and beauty. These are just two of the many benefits of crowns. For instance, they also require minimal aftercare. If you are dealing with a broken or root canal-treated tooth, consider this popular dental restoration.Dental crowns can restore a variety of dental conditions. They…
One option for someone who is missing teeth is implant supported dentures. It is important to fill in gaps in the mouth; not doing so has a variety of unwanted consequences. In the short term, a missing tooth often leads to pain, as the nearby teeth will start to shift. In addition, these teeth are…