Dental Fear Clinic
Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist
Sometimes a bad experience can lead to dental anxiety, fear, or phobia. Other times, patients develop anxiety due to experiences that are reminiscent or general fears. No matter why you’re anxious or scared, let us relieve those feelings and help you have a great time at the dentist.
Dental Fear, Dental Anxiety, and Dental Phobia
Types of Dental Fear
As with most phobias, psychologists developed the following distinctions between dental anxiety, dental fear, and dental phobia as a means to help dentists determine the extent of your dental fear.
- If you suffer from dental anxiety, you are having a response to an unknown danger – a danger not yet experienced. Many people experience a degree of dental anxiety, especially if the procedure is a new dental experience, therefore, a fear of the unknown.
- If you suffer from dental fear, you are having a response to a danger you have experienced. With dental fear, you know what is coming. For example, you have previously received a similar dental procedure and you know what to expect. With this knowledge, you know what the procedure involves, and you are fearful of revisiting that same procedure.
- If you suffer from dental phobia, you are mimicking a similar response to dental fear, but with dental phobia, your reaction is more extreme and incapacitating. You have strongly stated that you will never enter a dentist’s office – ever! With this strong of a dental phobia, you elude dental checkups, dental cleanings, and all things dental!
Overcoming Your Dental Fear
Dr. Streit or the dental team at Distinctive Dentistry is excellent at evaluating your type of dental fear and addressing your specific concerns. They readily can recommend the suitable sedation dentistry for you. Sedation dentistry conquers the fears that keep you from visiting their office on a regular basis. By overcoming your dental fear, the preventative measures you can now take by visiting the dentist’s office will thwart future extreme dental treatments.
Dental Phobia Treatment
Dental Phobia and You
You may not be aware, but your dental phobia can seriously affect your life. In addition to obvious dental issues that may develop by not visiting the dentist, your dental phobia can also lead to anxiety and depression. For instance, you may not meet people, even your close friends, because you are embarrassed by the way your teeth look. You may not consider worthy occupations because smiling is in the job description. Low self-esteem may creep into your character because you are disappointed in yourself because you cannot perform an undertaking as “easy” as going to a dentist. Finally, you may feel guilty – yes, guilty – because you have not sought out good dental care.
Dental Anxiety Treatment
Is it Possible to Overcome My Dental Fear?
Absolutely! Distinctive Dentistry, as mentioned earlier, offers sedation dentistry! Dr. Streit and Dr. Albert can make your dental visit an anxiety-free and pain-free experience. Distinctive Dentistry’s dental team’s prime concern is your comfort and well-being.
You may walk through the office door anxious and concerned. However, on your way out after your treatment, you will be smiling. You were able to overcome your dental fear!
If you have dental anxiety, let us know so that we can help you. Our team is very understanding and can accommodate your needs.
