Dental Anxiety & Fear of Dentists

Dental Anxiety & Fear of Dentists Q&A

People who suffer from dental anxiety and fear dentists experience anxiety when they think about or go to the dentist. If you’re afraid or anxious about going to the dentist, you could talk to your dentist and explain your concerns. Here at Smile Dental in Stafford TX, our caring dentists Dr. Jeena Leon Samuel DMD, BDS, FAGD, and Dr. Bryan Boshart, DDS, MS will listen to your fears and make you feel relaxed. Contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 738 FM 1092 Rd, Stafford, TX 77477.

Dental Anxiety & Fear of Dentists Near Me in Stafford TX
Dental Anxiety & Fear of Dentists Near Me in Stafford TX

Table of Contents:

Why does the dentist give me anxiety?
How do I get over my fear of dentists?
How common is dental anxiety?
What is the phobia of dentists called?

If you experience dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety and fear of dentists affect a large portion of the population, leading many to avoid necessary dental treatment. Fortunately, many dentists are aware of the effects dental anxiety can have on patients and make appropriate accommodations to help you feel safe and at peace with any procedure. In what follows, you can learn more about dental anxiety and some tips for overcoming it so you can continue to take care of your dental health. 

Why does the dentist give me anxiety?


It’s common for many individuals to experience anxiety when they visit the dentist, and there are several reasons why this occurs. Some of these reasons could be:
 
Fear of pain: If you’ve had a painful experience at the dentist in the past or know of someone who had a bad experience at the dentist, your natural fear of pain may be the source of your anxiety. The good news is that dental services continue to advance in technology so that procedures either cause minimal pain or are pain-free.

Fear of needles or injections: Even though the injections provided in dental procedures are given to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure, the initial injection can cause fear and discomfort in many people. Fear of needles is common among many people and a significant reason for dental anxiety.

Worry that the anesthesia won’t work: Besides the fear of the anesthetic injection, some people may also worry that the anesthesia won’t work, making the needle all for nothing. This fear may occur if your body has shown resistance to anesthesia in the past or due to a strong fear of pain.

Dislike of anesthesia side effects: Part of your dental anxiety may be due to a dislike of the side effects experienced with anesthesia, such as numbness, swelling, dizziness, or nausea.

Feelings of helplessness or loss of control: For many people, feelings of helplessness or loss of control are major reasons for their dental anxiety. Since many dental procedures require you to sit still with your mouth open while dentists operate, it can feel as if you don’t have control over the situation.

Invasion of personal space: Another significant reason for dental anxiety for patients is the feeling that their personal space is invaded during the procedure. As dentists and hygienists operate inside your mouth, they are often quite close to you physically, which can be uncomfortable for many.

How do I get over my fear of dentists?


Getting over your fear of dentists can take some time, work, and strategizing. Here are a few suggestions to help you overcome your dental anxiety:
 
– Find a dentist you trust and who respects dental anxiety
– Bring a friend or family member you trust with you to your appointment
– Practice meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques before your appointment
– Ask your dentist about sedation options during the appointment
– Let your dentist know that you deal with dental anxiety
– Ask your dental team lots of questions so you are prepared for everything
– Tell your dentist if you need to take a break during the procedure to find peace and calmness

How common is dental anxiety?


Studies show that around a third of all Americans deal with some form of dental anxiety, leading many to avoid necessary dental treatment. Such studies also show that dental anxiety occurs more often in women than men.

What is the phobia of dentists called?


The phobia of dentists is called odontophobia and is sometimes called dentophobia. That said, dental anxiety may also stem from iatrophobia, which is a fear of doctors.
 
Our dentists at Smile Dental empathize with anyone who experiences dental anxiety. If you are dealing with dental anxiety but need dental treatment, our team will do anything we can to ensure you feel safe and comfortable at our clinic. To learn more about how we can accommodate your visit, please give us a call! You can also schedule an online appointment with our caring dentists through our website. We are conveniently located at 738 FM 1092 Rd, Stafford, TX 77477. We serve patients from Stafford TX, Meadows Place TX, Missouri City TX, Sugar Land TX, Fifth Street TX, Dewalt TX, and Trammels TX.