Having a fear of dentists is surprisingly common in both children and adults around the world. Most people with this fear are concerned about more than one element, while those with severe dentophobia may fear all or most elements simultaneously.
If you have ever had a negative personal experience with a particular dentist, you may be more prone to this phobia. Pain is also another concern for many individuals.
Until relatively recently, completely painless dentistry was difficult or impossible. Today, there is numbing medication and specialized tools that are meant to minimize or eliminate pain; though some procedures may still involve a slight amount of discomfort.
Many people are extremely sensitive to mouth pain, and fear that the discomfort may be excruciating. Numbness or gagging is also another common concern for patients.
Some people, particularly those who have experienced choking or difficulty breathing, are afraid of having their mouths numbed. These individuals might worry that they will be unable to breathe or swallow.
Many people, especially those who have had previous bad experiences with doctors, are afraid of the sounds and smells of an office, particularly the sound of the drill. If you have needle fear, you might be extremely afraid of the injections that doctors use to numb the mouth.
Everyone's dental health is very different, depending on their history, their genetics, and more. Some people have naturally resilient teeth, and can space out their dental checkups for years-others need help on a regular basis.
If you are unlucky, you may find that you have a higher risk for decay and gum disease. Sometimes it does not even matter how well your brush your teeth and floss.
Your fear can stop you from getting the help that you need. However, you are only crippling yourself.
Tooth decay gets worse and worse as time goes on, and small cavities that once could have been easily filled can lead to broken or rotted teeth, and worse-you do not want to have to suffer with this issue.
This could require expensive and invasive root canal therapy and reconstructive work.
Knowing these consequences can, in turn, make you even less likely to seek treatment, creating a vicious cycle. In the modern world, we are expected to have clean, healthy, shiny teeth; so if yours become broken and rotted due to decay and neglect, you might experience a social stigma.
You may find it more difficult to get certain jobs, your dating life could be affected negatively, and even your friends may start to talk. This can lead to isolation, depression, social anxiety, and even agoraphobia.
Dental problems can have dangerous consequences in your mouth, including infections, which can cause pain and even illness. If you do not treat the infection quickly and effectively, medical illness can become a dangerous consequence.
If you find that your phobia is stopping your life, or keeping you from getting the health that you need, you may want to look into different therapy options to help you overcome your problem.
There are many different kinds of therapy that can be quite helpful when it comes to conditions such as this.
When you are able to take control and conquer your fear, you can move forward with the treatments that you need. Find a dentist who will be kind and compassionate, and sensitive to your fear.
Not all doctors use the same tricks and techniques to assist patients with fears. There are some staff that are friendlier than others, and dentists that you just get a better vibe from.
It is always acceptable to schedule an initial consultation without a full exam and workup. When you call for the appointment, explain that you suffer from dentophobia, and are not ready to book a full exam.
During your first appointment, you will be able to get a good feel for the professional you are going to work with. Make sure that you always feel comfortable with them, and that you are able to be open and honest about what you are feeling.
If you feel that things are beginning to scare you, hurt you, or become too much, you may want to come up with a kind of signal that you can use to alert your dentist that you need a small break. This can end up making a positive difference in your treatment.
Try listening to music, or anything else that can help you to relax. Distraction is key.
The sooner you seek the help that you need, the sooner you will be able to ensure that your oral health is on the right track. Today is the perfect day to begin.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and Dentist in Santa Cruz. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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