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If you fear the dentist, you are not alone. Many people fear dental visits as a result of a bad experience in the past or stories from friends. These anxieties can contribute to oral health problems, unless the problem is confronted and treated. Dentists have the ability to treat and calm patients with anxieties, making their appointment stress free. Why do I have a Dental Anxiety? The causes of dental anxieties are numerous and include factors both related and unrelated to dentistry. Past experiences will also inhibit the anxiety. Some patient's fear of going to the dentist or getting dental procedures done is so severe that they may lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. Dental anxiety is common and it is stated that up to 15 percent of Americans avoid seeing a dentist due to their fear. Some other reasons contributing to dental anxiety and dental phobia include: * Fear of pain
* Feelings of helplessness and loss of control
* Embarrassment or shame about the look and condition of the teeth, as well as the fearful behavior itself.
* Past bad experiences which includes physically painful dental visits, but also psychologically uncomfortable experiences.
* History of abuse
* Observational or vicarious learning
* Post-traumatic stress
* Fear of needles
* Hopelessness that neglect or the condition has made it too late to do anything
* Adverse effects of medication or their ineffectiveness in providing relief from anxiety and pain How do I overcome my Dental Anxiety? If you have a dental anxiety, you should always communicate with your dentist. Share your fears and concerns, and your dentist can work with you to establish the most comfortable, relaxed treatment plan for your needs. During a procedure, talk with your hands. It is often difficult to speak with your mouth while you are undergoing treatment, so talk to your dentist before your procedure on how you will communicate if a problem arises or you feel discomfort. A simple raise of the hand could signal discomfort, allowing your dentist to adjust the anesthesia appropriately. Additionally, you can benefit from distracting yourself. Let your mind wander and try focusing on another thought or a feature that stands out in the office. Letting your mind wander can help ease some of your anxiety. Oral sedation is also frequently used for many anxious dental patients and works extremely well. General anesthesia and IV sedation are appropriate for people receiving long and/or complex oral surgical procedures such as implants. It is also used with certain physical/mental handicaps, but is recommended for only a small percentage of highly phobic dental patients. If you are experiencing dental anxiety it is important to talk to your cosmetic dentist in Islip. Together you can calm your nerves and receive the dental treatment you need to keep your smile sparkling.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Joseph Morris, an experienced Islip cosmetic dentist. Dr. Morris and his experienced staff offer a full array of general and cosmetic dental services including Invisalign, veneers, teeth whitening and implants in Islip, and are committed to delivering the highest quality of care to every patient they serve.
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