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Dental Phobia: What You Need to Know

Fear of the dentist is incredibly common, ranging from mild to severe. However, dental phobia, also known as dentophobia, is a more serious condition that can interfere with your life. Many people with this phobia postpone even critical dental procedures, putting their oral and physical health at risk. Here’s what you need to know.

Specific Fears

Dental phobia is a global term that encompasses many different specific fears. Although it is possible to fear anything related to seeing the dentist, the following are among the most common:

Needles: Trypanophobia, or the fear of needles, is a sort of crossover phobia. If you suffer from the fear of needles, you might be afraid of the numbing injections we use.

Pain: Although today’s dentistry is nearly painless, some discomfort is inevitable with many procedures. Until quite recently, moderate to severe pain was to be expected. Those who have had a prior painful experience at the dentist, as well as those with very sensitive mouths, are likely to fear that their visit will be painful.

Choking: Local anesthetic can induce uncomfortable sensations in the mouth, throat, and even nose. This can cause some people to fear choking or becoming unable to breathe. If you have ever experienced choking, whether during a dental procedure or at another time, you might develop the fear of choking in the dental chair.

“The Dentist”: If you have ever seen the film Little Shop of Horrors, you know that dentists are sometimes depicted as cold or even sadistic. Whether you have watched too many movies or have had a bad experience with an uncaring dentist, fearing “The Dentist” is not unusual.

Sensory Fears: Some people are inherently more sensitive to sensory input than others. You might be bothered by the sights, sounds, and smells of the dentist’s office. If you have more general medical phobias, you are more likely to develop these fears, but some people without other medical phobias develop specific fears of things like the dentist’s drill.

Possible Consequences

Everyone is different. Genetics, diet, home care, and numerous other factors affect your oral health. Therefore, some people are at high risk for dental disease after missing a single cleaning, while others can postpone dental care for years without significantly impacting their oral health.

Still, dental disease is progressive. Once you develop a cavity or gingivitis, it is only a matter of time before it worsens significantly. This means even more invasive and expensive procedures, and puts you at risk for tooth loss. It can also lead to a vicious cycle in which fearful patients become even less likely to make a dentist appointment, as they know that they will need extensive work.

Yet neglecting your teeth can wreak havoc on your career and your social life. You might gradually start to isolate yourself, raising your risks for anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse. In addition, dental disease can cause pain, infection, and inflammation, which can spread to the rest of your body. Untreated dental issues can cause generalized feelings of unwellness and increase your chances of developing heart disease or another serious condition.

Coping with Dental Phobia

Fortunately, there is help. Modern dentists use multiple soothing tactics to help patients manage their fear. Calming music, television with headphones, spa-like environments, warm blankets and neck wraps, and other sensory tools can help you feel more comfortable.

Sedation dentistry is also widely available today. There are several options available that range from very light to completely asleep, so you can select an option that is perfect for you. Mild nitrous oxide can help you relax while remaining awake and in control, making it an excellent choice for those who fear being “put under.” Oral sedation is a moderate choice for those who need a bit more help, while IV sedation can help you sleep through the procedure in comfort.

If you have a severe phobia, consider speaking with a professional therapist. Hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral techniques can help you beat your phobia for good rather than simply trying to manage it.

(04/10/2022)
by Champagne Smiles

More Information: https://www.champagnesmiles.com/dental-phobia-what-you-need-to-know/

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