Dental anxiety affects millions of children and adults. As a result, many individuals neglect regular oral healthcare. This unfortunate reality tends to lead to serious problems that only worsen over time and eventually require complex dental care. If you are one of these individuals who possess dental fear in Trophy Club, read on to discover the four key reasons so many people skip out on their dental visits and what you can do to take back your mental and oral health.
Why Patients with Dental Anxiety Avoid the Dentist
If there was only one reason patients avoided the dentist’s office, there would be an immediate commitment from researchers to find a way to remedy the problem. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are, in fact, many causes of dental anxiety, resulting in canceled and rescheduled appointments. Four of the most common include:
- Past Trauma – If you’ve dealt with a traumatic dental experience in your past, there’s a good chance you’re less likely to waltz into another dentist’s office feeling optimistic.
- Shame – If your teeth and/or gums are plagued with decay or gum disease, you may be embarrassed by your smile and worry that the dentist in Trophy Club will judge you.
- Uninsured – Not having insurance is a big deterrent for many patients, as they are fearful as to how they will pay for treatment.
- Smells, Sights, and Sounds – The environment of a dental office is often enough to keep many patients from entering simply because it smells and looks sterile and uninviting. Also, the sounds of drills and other equipment can be disturbing to some.
What You Can Do to Overcome Your Fears
Fortunately, spending your life living in fear of the dentist’s office doesn’t have to be your reality. Instead, you can embrace the opportunity for better oral health and change the way you view dentistry. While many dentists offer sedation methods to help you relax during your appointment, there are other ways to keep your appointment and remain calm throughout the process, such as:
- Breathing exercises
- Listening to music
- Bringing a friend or family member with you to your appointment
- Inquiring about the procedure/treatment to better understand what you can expect
- Touring the dental office online before your visit to become familiar with the practice
Remembering that the dentist is an ally in your fight against tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems is crucial. Without regular dental care, you can face an array of issues that not only impact your smile but also your body. To keep your heart, brain, lungs, teeth, gums, and overall health and well-being in optimal shape, talk to your dentist about ways to decrease your anxiety and start taking better care of your smile today.
About the Author
Dr. Alysa Sadkin is a dentist in Trophy Club who pursued her dental doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After completing an intensive AEGD program at the Western NY VA Hospital, she brought her extensive training in dental implants, prosthodontics, and full mouth rehabilitation to our dental office. Understanding that patients can often feel overwhelmed and anxious about their appointments, she works hard to ease concerns and create a welcoming and calming environment. If you are fearful of your upcoming visit, check out our website or call (817) 774-4645.
