We can all agree that having a phobia of anything can make life much more difficult. If that fear happens to be the dentist, it’s important to seek help as your oral health can suffer as a result. Avoiding dental care can lead to serious issues down the road. If you suffer from dental anxiety, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our experienced general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ who can help you cope with your fear and take the necessary steps to improve your oral health.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety, dentophobia, or odontophobia, is a fear of the dentist. Some people have extreme anxiety and stress associated with going to the dentist or while in a dental setting. Patients with dental anxiety may experience sweating, palpitations, possible fainting, crying, etc. Many routinely miss or avoid their dental appointments and find it distressing to undergo dental treatment regardless of whether it’s a simple procedure or complex.
Unfortunately, those with dental anxiety will avoid seeing the dentist even when they are in pain. This condition can lead to very poor dental health. Delaying or avoiding the dentist altogether can result in dental diseases getting worse, a greater need for emergency care, or more complex treatment. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays are crucial as they can help prevent dental disease and ensure issues are detected early so that less invasive treatments are required.
How Can I Overcome My Fear of the Dentist?
Before you can overcome your dental phobia, it’s crucial to understand why it’s there in the first place. After some reflection, you may discover one thing or a combination of factors contributing to your dental anxiety. For many, there’s an assumption that dental care is inherently painful. For others, the loss of control and fear of the unknown can be unnerving. Whatever the case may be, the first step in overcoming your dental anxiety is to find and work with an honest and trustworthy dentist who will treat you with respect and compassion. You may have had a bad experince in the past in which a dentist tried to pressure you into a treatment you didn’t want. Finding the right dentist can make all the difference as you will feel more comfortable and confident about the care you are receiving.
Ahead of your dentist appointment, you should try to get in the right mindset by using relaxation techniques. Many patients find it helpful to do stretches, meditation, or deep controlled breathing before their visit. If you suffer from extreme fear of the dentist, you may benefit from calling your dentist and asking them about the type of sedation techniques they may employ to help you relax further. In some cases, they may suggest nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or sedative medications to help reduce your anxiety. Furthermore, you should consider bringing a friend or family member to join you during your appointment. Having this type of support can help put you at ease as you will feel safer.
At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to address your concerns and answer any questions you have regarding your appointment. Connect with our dedicated team today to learn how we will cater to your needs and ensure you are comfortable throughout the appointment.
