Why Is Dental Anxiety So Common?

If you feel dental anxiety before a visit to the dentist, rest assured that you are not the only one. dental anxiety affects millions of Americans each year. Having a full understanding of what dental anxiety is and why it is so common can help you better determine how to overcome it.

Dental anxiety information

There are a number of reasons someone may experience dental anxiety. The following is everything to know about dental anxiety, including what it is exactly and what causes it to be so common.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a term used to describe a feeling of worry or nervousness in patients before a dental visit. While many people experience it before visiting the dentist, most are still able to receive treatment and not let it affect the action they take to ensure good oral health. However, dental anxiety leads some to avoid visiting the dentist altogether, which can be detrimental to their oral health. It is important to realize that dental anxiety is common, and patients should try not to let it keep them from getting the oral health care they need.

Common causes of dental anxiety

Dental anxiety can be caused by just about anything, and each person who experiences dental anxiety should try and determine the exact reason for their nervousness. Common causes of dental anxiety include but are not limited to the following:

  • Fear of a painful procedure
  • Fear of criticism by the dentist
  • Fear of unaffordable costs
  • Fear of dental instruments

While some fears are rational, many cases of dental anxiety are irrational, and patients often report afterward that the dental visit was not nearly as bad as they feared. In almost every instance, dental anxiety can be overcome by addressing the underlying cause and making accommodations to help the patient feel more comfortable during their visit.

Dental anxiety vs. dental phobia

It is also important to be able to distinguish the difference between dental anxiety and dental phobia. Dental anxiety is fairly common, and it is not unhealthy or even irrational in many cases to be slightly nervous about a visit to the dentist. However, dental phobia is a more serious issue in which the person is likely aware of their irrational fear but unable to overcome the issue by themselves. Often, dental phobia requires more extensive psychological treatment to overcome completely.

How to overcome dental anxiety

The best way to overcome dental anxiety is to determine exactly what is causing the fear and to talk to the dentist about the issue. In most instances, the dentist can make accommodations in order for the patient to feel comfortable and confident while at the dentist office. For example, if the patient is afraid of pain, sedation can be applied so they will not feel anything during the procedure. If they are afraid of the sound of a dental instrument, the dentist may allow them to wear headphones and listen to music during a procedure.

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