Also called dental anxiety or fear, dental phobia is an emotional, and sometimes physical, negative reaction to going to the dentist. The fear may rise in you by just thinking about making an appointment, or it may not manifest until the dentist begins a procedure. Oftentimes, the lights, smells, and sounds of a dentist’s office trigger anxiety in phobic patients.
Dental phobia may be caused by:
● A bad experience at a dentist’s office
● PTSD from any cause
● History of abuse
● Anxiety/depression disorders
● Fear of not being in control
● Fear of pain
● Unknown factors
But the most important thing is, dental phobia is very real. It is not imagined. In fact, some people become physically ill over just scheduling a dental appointment.
Dr. Cat at Santa Cruz Dental Artists in Santa Cruz, California, understands dental phobia and helps patients overcome their anxiety so that they can receive proper dental care, which is vitally important to overall good health.
A Downward Spiral
If fear has kept you or a loved one from attending dental visits, dental health may become dire. Cavities, chips, cracks, internal tooth infections, abscesses, and gum disease worsen if left untreated. Furthermore, unlike human skin, human teeth do not heal naturally. Only professional dental care can adequately treat damaged teeth.
Though our gums are skin and thus can heal naturally, when bacteria accumulate below the gum line, the tissue cannot heal. Plaque, tartar (calculus), and debris must be removed to create a healthy environment, then healing will begin.
When dental and gum problems are not attended to by a dentist, patients may face tooth loss; infection and necrosis (death) of gums and jawbone tissue; and/or bloodborne infection.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it has been linked to systemic health issues, including:
● Low-weight births
● Heart disease
● Respiratory issues
● Cognitive problems
● Stroke
● Diabetes complications
As for tooth decay, the bacteria that cause cavities are the same that cause endocarditis, a potentially fatal heart condition.
As you can see, poor oral health has serious physical ramifications. Daily homecare and regular checkups, cleanings, and restorative treatments as needed will deter your risk for many additional health issues.
But how can you get the dental care you need if you can’t even sit in a dentist’s office without feeling anxious or scared?
How a Comfort-Focused Dentist Can Help You
Dentistry offers three primary methods for helping patients overcome – or at least significantly subdue – dental phobia so that dental care may be performed.
First, the holistic method.
Since the bright lights, medical smells, and noise of dental tools tend to prompt anxiety, caring dentists and their support team can take non-pharmaceutical measures to change the environment.
A serene environment begins in the lobby, extends to the front desk, and comes to full fruition in the treatment room with amenities and practices that may include any of the following:
● Soft lighting
● Sunglasses
● Virtual reality glasses
● Headphones for music
● Headphones or earplugs for noise reduction/cancellation
● Low voices
● Aromatherapy
● Supportive, understanding care team
● Comfortable chairs
Second, drugs.
● Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
● Oral sedation
● Nitrous oxide and oral sedation
● IV sedation
Third, a combination approach.
By altering the environment and providing a sedating medication, patients may receive both holistic and pharmaceutical assistance for overcoming dental phobia.
Talk with Dr. Cat About Your Concerns
Do you need to visit the dentist, despite suffering from dental phobia? If so, Dr. Cat wants to talk with you. Call Santa Cruz Dental Artists in Santa Cruz, NM, at 1-831-457-0343 today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy smile for a healthy life!
