When a patient is affected by dental anxiety, they feel a mild to moderate level of dread whenever they think about having to undergo dental surgery in the near future. Actually going to the dentist isn’t something that a lot of people look forward to doing, but some patients are so terrified of visiting that they avoid going until the discomfort becomes intolerable. 

In this article, we list the five most common contributors to dental phobia:

1. Embarrassment

Patients with severely damaged or decayed teeth may experience shame due to their oral health. Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental problems. There’s no reason to be alarmed by the state of their teeth, as the dentist probably won’t be either. 

When they are in the dentist’s chair, patients often feel ashamed for a variety of reasons. Some people may have put off dental care for years but are now considering it because they are concerned about the state of their oral health. It is normal for a dentist to enter the patient’s personal space, and some people may experience this as an intrusion into their sense of privacy when visiting the dentist.

It can also feel like an invasion of personal space when the dentist places their hands inside the mouth to perform an examination. Dentists are aware that patients are frequently quite self-conscious about their dental problems. This is why they strive to reassure patients that resolving those issues is their top concern. 

2. The Risks Associated with Anesthesia

Everyone has seen humorous online videos that poke fun at the negative consequences of anesthesia. Following the surgery, the patient could have feelings of sickness and numbness, as well as dizziness.

On the other hand, the patient typically does not need to be concerned because these adverse effects typically disappear soon after the session.

3. Aversion to Needles and Sharp Objects

A lot of individuals are terrified of needles, particularly when they have to get injections at the dentist and the needles have to go into their mouth. The majority of people, however, are typically concerned that the anesthetic will fail to take effect, resulting in a surgery that is terribly unpleasant.

4. A Dread of Experiencing Pain

Even though the majority of dental operations are painless, many people nevertheless suffer from dental anxiety because of their fear of being hurt. Some patients dread dentists because of a traumatic experience they had at a younger age, while others have heard tales from other patients about the excruciating agony they had during dental procedures.  

5. Controllability Issues

When a patient is situated in the dentist’s chair, they may frequently experience feelings of helplessness. They are frequently required to stoop forward with their mouths gaping open since they are unable to perceive what is taking place and do not have authority over the circumstance.

This can result in a significant amount of dental anxiety. The good news is that consulting with your physician in advance might alleviate some of this worry. 

The physician can provide an explanation of the processes, answering any and all questions the patient may have in advance to ensure that there are no surprises.

Conclusion

Do you have anxiety or trouble sleeping as a result of just thinking about your upcoming dental appointment? If you are apprehensive about your dental visit, you are not alone.

You will be relieved to learn that your fear of the dentist may be controlled if you go to the office with a friend or member of your family and ask the dentist as many questions as you possibly can. Find a qualified dentist who you can put your faith in, and be sure to have an in-depth conversation about the dental treatment you will receive before the actual process.

Doing so will help you feel less anxious about the experience.

Are you looking for dentists in Manassas? Galleria Dental Arts is your best bet. We welcome patients of all ages and are committed to providing high-quality treatment to local families. Our staff is trained in sophisticated dental treatments and techniques, allowing patients to receive the most up-to-date dental care. To learn more or to make an appointment, contact us now.