Did you know that more than a third of the population of the United States is afraid of dental treatment? Far too many people don’t visit the dentist’s office as often as they should due to their fears. If you have any kind of dental phobia, you might find yourself wondering where it came from in the first place. Below is a brief look at factors that could lead to a fear of the dentist – as well as how dental sedation can be used to help overcome said fear.
Potential Causes of a Fear of Dentistry
There are a number of things that can ultimately cause you to feel afraid of the dentist or certain aspects of dental care. Here are just a few particularly common examples:
- A Traumatic Dental Experience: Did you have an unpleasant experience at the dentist’s office as a child? Such an event can often lead to the development of a dental phobia that lasts into adulthood.
- Certain Other Fears: People with specific phobias tend to be more likely to also be afraid of the dentist. Significant examples include algophobia (fear of pain) and haphephobia (fear of being touched).
- Certain Disorders: You will have a higher likelihood of developing dental fears if you have an anxiety disorder or a panic disorder.
- Embarrassment: Are you deeply self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth or the way your breath smells? These anxieties can make you feel worried about receiving dental care, possibly leading to full-blown fear.
- A Feeling of Helplessness: Having dental work done means lying still and letting others work on your teeth for an extended period of time. The perceived lack of control in this situation can lead to dental fears in some people.
How Can Dental Fears Be Dealt With?
Regardless of where your dental fears stem from, your dentist may be able to help you keep them under control. In many cases, they may recommend dental sedation to keep you in a relaxed state throughout your visit. Depending on the practice, the following sedation options may be available:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: This type of sedation involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nasal mask. Not only is nitrous oxide sedation relaxing, but it only takes a few minutes to wear off once your treatment is finished.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: The sedative will come in the form of a pill meant to be taken before your appointment. Note that you will need someone else to drive you to and from your dentist’s office.
- IV Sedation: The sedative will be delivered straight into your bloodstream. Many patients who undergo IV sedation become so relaxed that they don’t remember what happened during their treatment.
Are you tired of your dental fears interfering with your ability to protect your oral health? Call your dentist today to see how they can help soothe your nerves during your next visit.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Mick has spent over 30 years improving smiles in Reynoldsburg. He went to The Ohio State University School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. His practice, Mick Family Dental Care, offers different forms of sedation for anxious or fearful patients, including oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and IV sedation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mick, visit his website or call (614) 864-4618.