Dental Anxiety

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Dental anxiety is a very common condition that is often caused by post traumatic stress due to previous dental pain or problems. It is estimated that approximately 75% of the United States population suffers from some form of dental anxiety and that over half of the world's population have some fear of dental visits. While not a phobia by definition, dental anxiety is very real. Fortunately, dental fear and anxiety can be overcome.

Dental anxiety is a very common condition that is often caused by post traumatic stress due to previous dental pain or problems. It is estimated that approximately 75% of the United States population suffers from some form of dental anxiety and that over half of the world's population have some fear of dental visits. While not a phobia by definition, dental anxiety is very real. Fortunately, dental fear and anxiety can be overcome.

Many people with dental anxiety have had experiences in the past that have caused intense pain. As a result, these individuals stop visiting a dental office. This course of action can lead to nothing but more dental problems, ultimately leading to overall ...
... health issues. After years of neglect due to dental anxiety, individuals' oral health problems can lead to needing root canal procedures, lost teeth, and infections that can spread throughout the body, causing damage to other body systems.

Fortunately, thanks to modern technology and medications, dental anxiety does not have to keep patients from visiting a dentist due to fear. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a commonly used medication that a patient inhales prior to dental work being performed. This medication allows the patient to remain calm and relaxed through any dental procedure while remaining conscious of their surroundings. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, are oral medications that a patient takes prior to their visit. Benzodiazepines allow the patient to remain conscious throughout their visit while reducing anxiety and fear. Finally, intravenous sedation is an option in which the patient has an IV inserted and is sedated with medication while being monitored. This option allows the patient to continue to breathe on their own while being able to respond to the dentist's prompts.

For individuals who do not want to choose medication to ease their dental anxiety, many areas offer individual or group counseling sessions that allow a patient to express their fears with a qualified specialist who can guide the patient through various behavioral techniques to ease the fear and anxiety. By changing the patient's perception and pattern of thinking, dental anxiety can be managed. However, this option may help the patient to get to the root of what causes their dental anxiety, thus enabling them to conquer this fear for life.

If you feel that you suffer from dental anxiety, please know that you are not alone and assistance is available. We encourage you to contact or visit our office to discuss your options. If you have not visited a dental office for years and you feel that your oral health may be in jeopardy, it is very important to have an exam done in order to increase your chances of having healthy teeth and gums. Please do not put off treatment any longer. Our office staff can offer you compassionate support in choosing the best course of action for your overall oral health.

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