Dental phobia is a condition that means a person’s fear of the dentist is so great that they are unable to visit the dentist, causing their dental health to suffer as a result. Many dentists report that the most anxious patients are often the ones with the most serious dental concerns. This is because they are unable to rationalise their fear against the need to have dental treatment. It is important for all patients, no matter how great the phobia, to visit the dentist before their dental problems become irreversible. It is also important for many anxious patients to realise that many modern dentistry techniques are far less uncomfortable than they previously were.
There are many reasons why people are afraid of the dentist. The most common reason by far is a traumatic experience earlier in life. This could either be a painful procedure or a particularly unsympathetic dentist, which has put the patient off for life. Other common reasons are a sense of embarrassment about the condition of their teeth, a fear of dental instruments, or increasingly common, the transferred phobia. This is when a patient who is afraid of the dentist transfers the fear onto their children. All of these fears are common and not unusual but there are ways to overcome them.
One of the most useful ways to overcome your fear is to simply communicate them with a dentist. By expressing exactly what it is you are afraid of, a dentist can tailor your treatment accordingly and put your mind at ease about what exactly the procedure will involve. Patients often find that the reality of treatment is far less unpleasant than what they have imagined. Many patients also come to realise that dental technology advances have changed the way a procedure is performed meaning it is now much less uncomfortable.
For patients who still feel anxious about treatment, many dentists offer relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy and self-hypnosis to enable patients to remain calm during treatment. Scented candles and DVD goggles are two of the latest distraction and calming methods available.
For patients with extreme phobias it is possible to be completely sedated with medication before treatment. Whatever the most suitable way for you to relax, it is vitally important that you overcome your fears and visit the dentist. Healthy teeth and gums could save you years of unnecessary pain and misery so make an appointment now to discuss your fear with a City of Leeds dentist.
Tags: anxiety, dental phobia
