Many patients avoid visiting the dentist out of fear. Patients may think that they will feel extreme pain or discomfort at the dentist. Others may fear needles, loud noises, or the dental office setting. Our dental office helps patients feel relaxed when they visit. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a caring dentist who treats patients with dental anxiety in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Dr. Duling and her staff will cater to your needs to make your experience at our Owens Cross Roads, AL, dentist office as stress-free as possible. In addition to the other dental concerns we treat, we help our patients lessen their dental anxiety and fear of the dentist.
Avoiding the Dentist Because of Dental Anxiety in Owens Cross Roads, AL
If you avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety, you can neglect your dental health. The longer you wait, the worse your dental problems will get. Even if you brush and floss daily, plaque will form in your mouth where these tools cannot reach. Eventually, plaque will harden into a substance called tartar.
Tooth cavities will form, damaging and weakening your teeth. Gum disease can easily develop when bacteria hide along the gum line. If you go a long time without dental care, you risk tooth and bone loss.
While you may fear pain from dental treatment, you are more likely to feel pain as your dental problems worsen. If you let gum and tooth decay worsen, you can experience chronic pain. You will be more sensitive to treatment once you develop these problems.
The good news is that our dental office is here to ensure you feel comfortable during treatment. We can numb your mouth and use sedation so you will not be aware of your procedure.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many people when they think about visiting the dentist. It can range from mild nervousness to severe fear, making it difficult for some individuals to seek necessary dental care. Understanding the causes of dental anxiety can help you or a loved one manage it more effectively and encourage better oral health.
Fear of Pain
One of the most significant contributors to dental anxiety is the fear of pain. Many people associate dental visits with discomfort, especially if they have had a painful experience. The thought of needles, drills, or other dental instruments can create anxiety about potential pain during procedures. This fear can lead to avoiding dental visits and worsening dental issues over time.
Negative Past Experiences
Past negative experiences at the dentist can leave a lasting impact. If someone had an uncomfortable or traumatic dental visit as a child or adult, they may develop anxiety about future appointments. Even minor discomfort or a harsh dentist can create a lasting fear of dental care. These memories can resurface, causing heightened anxiety before each appointment.
Fear of the Unknown
For many people, the fear of the unknown plays a significant role in dental anxiety. If someone is unsure about what to expect during a dental procedure, their anxiety may increase. Anticipating unknown sounds, sensations, or procedures can cause stress and fear. This uncertainty can be particularly strong for individuals who have never had dental work done or are facing a new type of treatment.
Embarrassment About Oral Health
Some individuals may feel embarrassed about their oral health or the state of their teeth. They may worry about being judged by the dentist or staff for neglecting their dental care. This embarrassment can lead to anxiety about visiting the dentist, as they fear negative reactions or criticism. The concern about how others perceive their dental health can create a barrier to seeking necessary treatment.
Sensory Overload
The dental office environment can be overwhelming for some individuals. The sounds of drills, the smell of dental products, and the bright lights can create sensory overload. For people who are sensitive to stimuli, these factors can heighten anxiety levels. The feeling of being confined in a dental chair, combined with the various sensory inputs, can contribute to a feeling of helplessness, making dental visits even more anxiety-provoking.
Feeling Out of Control
Many people experience anxiety when they feel a lack of control over their situation. Patients must rely on the dentist and staff during a dental appointment to manage their care. For those who prefer to be in control of their circumstances, this can lead to feelings of vulnerability and anxiety. The inability to communicate easily during a procedure, especially if local anesthesia is involved, can further contribute to feelings of helplessness.
Social Anxiety
For some, dental anxiety is linked to broader social anxiety. The dental office is a public setting, and individuals may feel self-conscious about presenting themselves. This can lead to nervousness about interactions with the dentist or staff. People with social anxiety may worry about how they will be perceived during their visit, which can heighten their dental anxiety.
Cultural or Familial Influences
Cultural beliefs and family attitudes about dental care can affect how anxious someone feels about going to the dentist. If a person grew up in a home where dental visits were feared or avoided, they may start to feel the same way. Cultural factors can also change how people view dental health and the importance of getting dental care. These early experiences can shape their feelings about dental visits later in life.
How We Help Patients with Dental Anxiety in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Dental fear and anxiety are common problems that make dental care difficult for patients of all ages. Our dental office provides multiple methods to help patients with a fear of the dentist:
Patient Education
We find that patient education and openness with our patients is the best way to help them get through their appointments. Our dental staff will take the time to explain each treatment fully. If you understand what will happen during the visit, you will have time to prepare yourself fully. There will be no surprises in our office.
Communication
We encourage clear communication between patient and dentist. That way, we can meet your specific needs while we provide your custom dental treatment. Ask us if you need accommodations at your visit, like sedation, pauses during treatment, or earphones to drown out noises. We will be glad to accommodate you.
Sedation Dentistry
Our state-of-the-art dentist office offers two types of sedation dentistry: oral and nitrous. Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill before the appointment. It will keep you completely relaxed and calm during the appointment while you are still conscious. Most people do not remember the”appointment.”
“Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a gas you breathe with oxygen through a mask. Dentists have safely used this sedation for many years to help anxious patients get through their dental appointments. You will remain awake but in a complete state of relaxation.
Under sedation, you will not feel any pain. Sedation is also completely safe. We can reverse the effects of sedation if needed.
How Can I Prepare for my Dentist Appointment?
If you suffer from dental anxiety, there are several things you can do to help you get through the appointment. First, we suggest being completely honest and upfront with us. We can better serve you and your needs if we fully understand what you are feeling and going through.
Other tips we suggest include:
- Try some relaxation methods before your appointment (stretching, deep breathing)
- Be on time for your appointment, but not too early, so you do not have to wait a long time
- Bring earphones or noise-cancelling headphones if you are sensitive to noise
- If you can, bring someone along who can help keep you calm
- Bring distractions or comfort items, such as music, movies, blankets, etc.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions
Contact us before your next appointment so we can help accommodate you. You can also meet us and tour our office before your dental visit. During this tour, you will meet our dentists and see the exam rooms. We will also explain how routine visits work and what to expect during examinations and cleaning.
We will help you prepare for your dental visit without feeling overwhelmed. Our office is here to support you every step of the way.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Dental anxiety is something that many patients suffer from. Learn more about it and the treatment options by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How common is dental anxiety?
Around 30-40% of Americans have some form of dental anxiety. This encompasses all different severities of the condition. A smaller percentage of around 10% is said to have fear they would categorize as extreme.
What are the negative effects of dental anxiety?
When patients have dental anxiety, they’re more likely to have severe dental issues. This is due to their fear of avoiding the dentist. Many anxious patients dislike dentists because of this fear. They’re also likely to be unhappy with their smiles, possibly because a lack of care has led to issues.
Can dentists tell that I have dental anxiety?
Yes, your dentist can tell. They see patients all day, every day, and it’s easy to notice who’s relaxed and ready for their appointment and who’s tense. Dentists can also tell that you have general anxiety. If you have oral sores and signs of grinding and clenching your teeth, they’re clear indicators that you have stress in your normal life.
What is the most anxiety-inducing dental procedure?
Patients usually fear root canals the most. They have a bad reputation for being a horrible, painful procedure. But it’s not nearly as bad as its reputation. It does require a drill, the sound of which may be the worst for many patients. We completely numb the area with a local anesthetic. You won’t feel much more than you would while getting a dental filling.
Can dental anxiety be genetic?
Dental anxiety can be caused partly by genetics. You’re more likely to experience it if your parents suffer from it. But this can also be the case because it’s a learned behavior. Many young patients go to the dentist simultaneously with their parents. If the parents are anxious before you even walk into the office, it’ll make the child nervous, too. This is also the case if they’re watching you get care.
How do you calm dental anxiety?
Sedation dentistry is the best way to calm anxious patients. We offer various sedation options that factor in the procedure you’re getting done and the severity of your anxiety. Sometimes, you take calming medication before entering the office to keep you calm and relaxed from start to finish.
Can dental anxiety go away over time?
Yes, dental anxiety can get better over time, especially with the right approach. Building trust with our dentist, having positive experiences during visits, and learning relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety. Some people find that as they go to the dentist regularly, their fears lessen.
Talking to our dentist about your concerns is a great first step, and they can work with you to make each visit more comfortable. With patience and support, dental anxiety can often be managed or even go away.
What do I do if I’ve avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety?
If you’ve avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth. The first step is to find a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with. Dr. Duling’s office is a judgment-free space. Her goal is to ensure that you treat any dental problems and maintain great oral health and overall health.
Let her know about your anxiety so she can work with you to create a plan that meets your needs. You can start with a simple consultation, where she will check your teeth and explain what needs to be done.
Schedule a Pain-Free Dental Appointment
Do you avoid dental visits because of dental fear or anxiety? We can help you receive the care you need without stress. Contact our office for comfortable dental care today at 256.202.4186. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Duling online.
Feel free to ask us any questions you have about your care. We’re here to help you feel relaxed in our dental office.