Time to Talk About – Dental Phobia

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? You’re not alone. In fact, according to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, up to 75% of people in the US experience at least some fear of dental treatment, while 5-10% suffer from dental phobia, the fear of dentists and dental treatment; causing them to avoid the dentist regardless of the consequences.

While a previous bad experience may be the catalyst for dental fear, a particularly painful tooth extraction or other painful procedure for example, the overriding factor for many dental phobic patients is the lack of control they experience while lying back with their dentist hovering, unable to communicate clearly, as a relative stranger pokes and prods within their mouths. Understandably, this lack of control can cause a great deal of anxiety, and fear. If pain is added to the experience, especially at a young age, developing a phobia about a visit to the dentist becomes easy to grasp.

Don’t be afraid of the dentist

Perhaps the most effective way to overcome your fear of dentists and dental treatment is to first get to know your dental professional. This will help to calm your fears and reduce your anxiety, as you begin to build a relationship based on trust with the person who will be working on your teeth. Your new-found trust will lead to confidence in your dental professional, as you receive assurances that he or she will make every effort to make you comfortable and keep you relaxed throughout your treatment, whatever that may be.

To do this, you will need to spend time with your dentist; an initial consultation during which every step of your treatment is explained, the reasons for each step are shared, the expected outcomes are given, and all of your questions are answered. Your dentist’s manner should be gentle and understanding of your fear, willing to offer assurances that your recommended treatment will be pain free and as comfortable as possible. Similarly, the entire staff should be supportive and understanding of your fears. After all, dental fear is not uncommon for them. If any member of the office staff causes you discomfort, either let your dentist know, or choose a new dental office.

For most us, the most common cause of anxiety is fear of the unknown. When combined with a lack of control of our situation, this anxiety can be overwhelming. Confidence in your dental professional will go a long way toward relieving your anxiety and reducing your fear of dentists and dental treatments. When you come to the realization that "He knows his stuff," you can relax and take comfort that you are in the hands of a caring professional, allowing you to set your fear aside.

At The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry Dr. Kaushal Dhawan will take the time to help you put your fears at rest. He is available to help you determine effective solutions to all of your dental problems. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call to make an appointment today.