Avoiding scenarios that cause fear or discomfort is natural, as our instincts help protect us from danger—but sometimes, fear holds us back from what we truly need. When it comes to oral health, dental phobia can prevent us from seeking necessary dental care. And it’s not just a minor issue. In fact, dental-related anxiety affects as many as 80% of adults worldwide.
When your anxiety about dental care prevents you from visiting the dentist, you risk compromising your beautiful, healthy smile. At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we care deeply about the health and wellness of our community. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping ease your dental phobia, so you can get the care you need to smile confidently again. However, we recognize that overcoming dental fear can be very challenging, so we offer sedation options to help you feel calm and relaxed.
What Causes Fear of the Dentist?
Dental phobia is generally caused by one or more psychological factors like past trauma, embarrassment about the state of one’s teeth, or a significant fear of pain. Your mental health can be affected, as it can cause notable anxiety and stress. It can even lead to depression if unaddressed.
We understand your fear and guarantee that we will take every measure to put you at ease during your dental procedure. We can use sedation to help you relax, whether you have generalized dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, claustrophobia in the dental chair, fear of sharp objects and needles, or other special needs.
Understanding Dental Phobia, Fear, and Anxiety
Anxiety about dentistry takes several forms. Understanding these fears can help you better communicate your needs to our dentists so we can assist you.
- Dental anxiety: A general apprehension or sense of unease about visiting the dentist
- Dental fear: A feeling of dread or fear relating to a specific element of dental care, such as the sounds of drills or the sight of needles
- Dental phobia: A feeling of irrational terror causing panic, extreme distress, or physical symptoms
Dental anxiety can make regular dental visits difficult, but dental phobia may prevent people from seeking essential care—even in emergencies.
The Impacts of Dental Fear
Dental phobia is more than just feeling nervous before a dental visit—it’s a condition that can have serious consequences for your overall health. Avoiding the dentist can make you vulnerable to preventable oral health concerns. Without regular professional care, cavities and gum disease can worsen.
What begins as a small issue can escalate, resulting in more serious dental conditions. Untreated infections, for example, can spread to the bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, respiratory problems, and other severe health complications. We don’t say this to frighten you but to stress the importance of dental care and remind you that there are ways to make your visits easier and more comfortable!
How Sedation Dentistry Can Help Resolve Dental Phobia
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we take your dental phobia seriously and will do everything we can to help you overcome your fears.
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medication to help patients relax during their dental procedures. There are many sedation methods, and the option that’s best for you will depend on the severity of your fear and the complexity of the procedure you need:
- Nitrous oxide: This is also known as laughing gas due to the sense of relaxation and euphoria it creates. It’s ideal for mild to moderate dental fear or simpler procedures. You’ll stay awake during treatment but feel calm and at ease. The effects wear off quickly, as we can easily reverse them using oxygen.
- Oral conscious sedation: For this method, you’ll take a pill to help you feel more relaxed. The sedation is a bit stronger than laughing gas, and the effects can linger. As a result, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation: Medication is delivered through an IV, putting you in a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state. You’ll remain aware but feel drowsy and may not remember much of the procedure. Throughout your treatment, your vitals are carefully monitored to ensure your safety and comfort. This option is ideal for patients with severe dental phobia or those undergoing complex procedures.
- General anesthesia: This approach ensures you are fully asleep and unaware during treatment. It is typically used for complex oral surgeries.
Let Us Help You Overcome Your Fear and Preserve Your Oral Health!
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to providing the quality dental care you need and deserve. No matter how severe your dental phobia is, one of our sedation dentists will ensure you feel safe and comfortable through your cleanings and dental services. You’re in good hands with us! Schedule a free consultation with our trusted professionals to discuss your sedation options to overcome your dental phobia!