Dental phobia is much more common than you may think. In fact, more than 50% of Americans suffer from some level of dental phobia. For some, dental phobia is so strong that they avoid receiving dental care altogether. This can lead to various oral health issues that progress over time. This begs the question: where does dental phobia come from? Continue reading to learn about some of the most probable causes and what you can do to tack your dental phobia.
What Causes Dental Anxiety & Phobia?
Fear of the dentist is usually caused by underlying phobias. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Fear of Pain: If you’ve had a negative dental experience in the past or have heard dental horror stories from others, this could be why you are afraid that seeing a dentist will be painful. Fortunately, with the modern dental technology and techniques we have today, dental procedures involve very little or no discomfort.
- Fear of Needles: When patients need to undergo a dental procedure, a local anesthetic is often injected in that area to prevent pain. However, many people aren’t comfortable with the idea of needles. Fortunately, most patients are able to endure it for the few seconds it takes to numb the treatment site.
- Lack of Control: When you are relined in a dental chair with your mouth open and cannot see exactly what your dentist is doing, you may feel like you lack control of the situation.
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help with Dental Phobia?
If you have dental anxiety, there are various sedation options out there to help you feel more comfortable in the dental chair. Here are some of the common options out there:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also called “laughing gas,” this mild sedative is inhaled and works very quickly. It gives patients a light, euphoric feeling just seconds after inhaling it through the nasal mask. You remain conscious the entire time, just more relaxed. The effects wear off as soon as the mask is removed, so you can drive yourself home from your appointment. This is a great option for those with mild to moderate dental anxiety.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: This option involves taking a prescribed pill about an hour before your visit. By the time you get to the dental office, you will feel especially relaxed. Since this method has stronger effects and takes several hours to wear off, you will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the dental office. This is a good option for those with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
- IV Sedation: Apart from general anesthesia, IV sedation is the strongest form of dental sedation. The medication is delivered intravenously, so you will feel extremely relaxed very quickly. You will remain awake throughout the procedure, so you will be able to answer questions and follow the directions of your dental team. However, you may not remember much of your visit afterward when the effects wear off.
Dental anxiety shouldn’t get in the way of essential dental care. By asking your dentist about sedation options, you can work out a plan to help you get the treatment you need without added stress.
About the Author
Dr. Robert C. Fromuth is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently, he is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the New Hampshire Dental Society. To learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Manchester, visit his website or call (603) 644-3368.