Do you avoid making dental appointments? Do you create any excuse you can think of to avoid climbing into that big chair so your dentist can take a look at your teeth? Dental anxiety is a common problem; you shouldn’t be ashamed if you are among the countless individuals who start to squirm when they think about getting their mouth worked on. Fortunately, many dentists do everything they can to help their patients feel comfortable. They may even use sedation dentistry to make your appointment a breeze.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
As much as 15 percent of the population experiences some form anxiety related to dental care. But what causes so many people to shy away from getting their teeth worked on? A few common reasons behind dentophobia include:
- A past bad experience involving a dental procedure.
- Fear of pain.
- Fear of needles.
- Embarrassment because of a poor oral hygiene routine.
- Fear of not being in control of a situation.
- Parents’ attitude toward visiting the dentist.
Why Is Overcoming Dental Anxiety So Important?
A few people get away without visiting the dentist for years on end. They brush and floss regularly, and they’re blessed with good genetics and a lack of oral injuries. However, those people are in a tiny minority. Most of us need dental care in order to have a healthy mouth. In fact, people who neglect going to the dentist because of fear are more likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease.
This is nothing to take lightly. If oral health problems go neglected for long enough, they can cause systemic health problems. You could also end up losing your teeth, suffering from chronic bad breath, and being unable to enjoy your favorite foods.
You Can Go to the Dentist!
There are a few techniques you can use to cut back on your fear of the dentist. For example, you might tour the office beforehand and ask lots of questions about what the dentist is going to do. You could even ask if you can have a trusted friend with you in the exam room while you’re getting worked on.
However, such simple approaches may not work for everyone. You might need to take advantage of sedation dentistry, wherein your dentist will administer drugs to help you relax during your procedure. There are different types of sedation dentistry, and the appropriate kind depends largely on your level of anxiety and the work you’re getting done.
- Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, has a mild sedative effect and induces a feeling of well-being.
- Oral conscious sedation is more powerful and produces a strong calming effect.
Going to the dentist is important! Ask your dentist about sedation dentistry so your smile can get the attention it deserves.
About Our Practice
Dr. Thomas Novak and his team are proud to provide oral healthcare to folks in Weatherford. They want you to have a positive experience during your procedure, which is why they offer sedation dentistry. If you have questions about how you can be more relaxed at your next dental appointment, contact us at 817-594-7302.