WHY PEOPLE HAVE DENTAL ANXIETY

It’s no secret that many people have a fear of the dentist. In fact, dental anxiety is so common that there is even a name for it- odontophobia. But why do people have this fear? What makes going to the dentist such a scary experience for so many people? Dobson Ranch Dental Care is here to explain some of the most common reasons people develop this type of anxiety and how we can help!

Why People Have Dental Anxiety

BAD EXPERIENCES IN THE PAST

For some people, their anxiety about the dentist is rooted in a bad past experience. Perhaps they had a procedure that was more painful than expected, or they had a bad reaction to the anesthesia. Whatever the case may be, these bad experiences can leave a lasting impression, making it difficult to feel comfortable about future dental appointments. At Dobson Ranch, this is often one of the main reasons we get from our patients about why they stopped going to the dentist. But, at our clinic, we make it our mission to help ease fears and anxiety, as well as give our patients the best experience possible! As long as you’re honest about your fears, we will do everything to help.

FEAR OF DENTAL NOISES

Another common reason people have anxiety about the dentist is because of all the loud noises. The sound of the drill, for example, can be extremely off-putting to some people. Others may be afraid of the sound of the suction device that is used to remove saliva and blood during dental procedures. It’s easy to feel nervous about these sounds, but for some, sensory overload can quickly become a big deal. So, in some cases, patients use headphones to drown out the noise of the equipment. In other cases, we may be able to provide you with sedation medication to help you relax.

FEAR OF PAIN

It’s natural to want to avoid pain, and unfortunately, dental procedures can sometimes be painful. However, it’s important to remember that modern dentistry has come a long way. There are now many options for pain management, from local anesthesia to sedation dentistry. As a result, most dental procedures can be performed with little or no discomfort. If you’re worried about pain, be sure to talk to us about your concerns. We can help you choose the best options for pain management so that you can get the dental care you need.

EMBARRASSMENT OF TEETH

Coming to the dentist shouldn’t feel like a daunting task, but for those who’ve avoided the dental chair for years, it can be. Unfortunate circumstances often leave people putting off their dental care, including lack of insurance or an HSA account. Eventually, patients become embarrassed about the way their teeth look. When they finally do make an appointment, they’re riddled with anxiety and embarrassment. However, we’re here to tell you that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Our only concern is for your dental health and we will make you feel as comfortable as possible while helping you achieve your oral health goals.

LET’S MAKE YOUR DENTIST VISIT A PLEASANT ONE

If you’re living with dental anxiety and have been avoiding your dental appointments, then it might be time to switch dentists. At Dobson Ranch Dental Care, we care about your comfort as well as all your dental concerns. We offer sedation dentistry solutions, regardless of your dental procedure. So, whether you need a regular cleaning, a root canal, or a cosmetic procedure, we’ll make it easy on you. We proudly serve residents throughout Mesa, AZ, so schedule your appointment today at (480) 838-8558.