Dental Anxiety Management in High Point

Dental anxiety is a common problem, so if you’re afraid of going to the dentist, don’t worry! You’re in good company.

At Deep River Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in High Point, NC, we are experienced at helping people with fears and phobias of the dental office. Dr. Bray himself had a bad dental experience when he was younger, so he completely understands where you’re coming from.

How We Help To Soothe Anxiety

To help reduce and manage your anxiety, we offer short appointments combined with empathy and a heaping dose of common sense. We want your experience at our office to be comfortable and even enjoyable, and we’ll take the time to get to know you and learn what you need from your dental provider.

Call our office today to find out how we can help you have an excellent dental experience. We are always willing to listen to your concerns and your needs.
 

Dental anxiety is extremely common and can lead to serious oral health problems. Whether you feel like you’re giving up control, you’re afraid dental treatment will hurt, or you had a negative dental experience you can’t forget, it’s essential to manage dental anxiety. Without regular dental treatment, you won’t be able to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and you could lose your teeth.

There are things you can do to manage your dental anxiety, making it possible to receive the treatment you need. Consider these tips before your next dental visit:

• Communicate — Talk to your dentist about your feelings; they can reassure you and help you relax.
• Relax — Practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques to lower your stress and anxiety levels.
• Distract — Listen to music or a podcast during your treatment; this can distract you and alleviate anxiety.
• Signal — Arrange a signal with your dentist so they know when to stop and give you a break.
• Sleep — Get plenty of rest the night before your appointment.
• Avoid — Don’t consume caffeine or sugar before your appointment; this can help you relax.

To help patients conquer their fear of the dentist and get the care they need, it’s essential to understand what dental anxiety is, how it differs from a dental phobia, and what causes these fears in the first place.

Often, understanding is the first step toward improved oral and overall health.

Dental Anxiety vs. Dental Phobia (Odontophobia)

For many people, the thought of going to the dentist causes a feeling of uneasiness or nervousness, and that’s completely normal. This dental anxiety may give you a panicked feeling; as a result, you could feel embarrassed and avoid necessary dental care.

If you’re apprehensive about going to the dentist, we encourage you to give us a call. We can offer guidance and suggestions to help you overcome your anxiety and improve your oral health.

Dentophobia, also known as odontophobia, is a kind of anxiety disorder; it’s an excessive, irrational fear of dentists. This phobia disorder occurs when the thought of going to the dentist leads to a fear that is out of proportion with the situation. People with severe dentophobia avoid going to the dentist at all, and this can lead to severe oral health issues and tooth loss.

The Root Causes of Dental Fear

If you feel like you’re the only one whose palms sweat and heart races at the thought of getting your teeth cleaned, or if you can’t fathom spending an hour or more in the dental chair, we understand! Dental anxiety is real, and we can help you get the care you deserve.

Research suggests there are numerous reasons you may be afraid to go to the dentist, including the following:

• Past experiences — For many people, pain from previous dental visits makes them reluctant to return to the dentist.
• Fear of pain — If you think a dental visit will be painful, it’s enough to make some people avoid care.
• Giving up control — You may not like the idea of giving up control while you’re in the dental chair, leading to dental anxiety.
• Loud sounds and sensations — Hearing the drill, feeling an injection, or worrying about choking can cause you to feel anxious.
• Family influence — If parents talk about their dental anxiety, children may feel fearful of going to the dentist.

We will happily assist you if you want to speak with our dental team! At Deep River Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to provide a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for every patient. Let us show you how pleasant a dental visit can be.

Call our dental office at (336) 883-1371 to schedule a consultation or appointment.