Want to understand how dental anxiety can get in the way of someone’s ability to get the dental treatment they need for good oral health? Those currently living with any level of anxiety need to take action to address their anxiety to be sure they can get all the dental treatments they need for good oral health.
Very few know what dental anxiety means, and some do not know that it exists. According to Harvard Health, some people are so terrorized by the thought of going to the dentist that they avoid the experience altogether.Some of the more common symptoms of this type of anxiety include a racing heart, sweating, crying, panic attacks, anger, irritability, nervousness, withdrawal, racing thoughts, and an overall feeling of being overwhelmed. In addition, dental anxiety triggers can include hearing a dental drill, thinking about needles, and not fully understanding what will happen during an appointment.
Dental anxiety can stem from a few different reasons, such as experiencing pain during a previous dental appointment, feeling a loss of control during an appointment, and feeling embarrassed due to having a lot of dental problems. While no one wants to experience pain, some people will let the thought of experiencing any dental-related pain overwhelm them. Or they may have experienced a lot of pain during a previous dental appointment, making it so they are now afraid to see a dentist.
A loss of control can also bring about anxiety, as many people need to know what will happen to feel better prepared. In addition, when it comes to embarrassment, those with oral problems, like badly damaged teeth or bad oral hygiene, do not want to be judged, triggering anxiety when thinking about going to the dental office.
Those who experience any level of anxiety can use one or more of these tips to help them cope once it comes time to go to a dental office. Some of the tips require doing things days and even weeks before it is time for them to go to their dental appointment.
Some of the more common tips used that have proven to be helpful include bringing a friend, getting plenty of sleep, listening to music during the appointment, using breathing techniques, and meeting the dental team before the appointment to ask questions and/or get an overall tour.
The tips above are beneficial, making it a good idea for those living with anxiety to try them out to find out which ones will benefit them. Know that our dental team is available when needed.
Request an appointment here: https://www.arcdentistry.com or call Arc Advanced Dentistry & Cosmetics at (516) 301-9038 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Long Beach, NY.
For many people, dental anxiety is a common thing. Whether the anxiety stems from a bad experience, the fear of pain or embarrassment about the personal state of teeth and gums, this emotion can be detrimental to one’s overall oral health. Because of anxiety or fear, some patients may postpone making a dental appointment, even…
If you want strong and healthy teeth, visit our Long Beach dentist office. We have a variety of ways to improve your oral health including cleaning your teeth on a regular basis and using fluoride to strengthen them. We especially recommend fluoride treatments for children and teens, preferring to treat their teeth at least once…
As a Long Beach New York dentist, we know that many New Yorkers like to head out of town in August for their annual summer vacation. The city heat can be stifling and heading out to the shore is an excellent way to cool off. As a dentist, our goal is to make sure that your…
Currently experiencing tooth pain? Not sure whether or not you actually need to go to the dentist's office so that the pain can go away? If the pain you are currently feeling is minor you may feel that a dentist appointment is not necessary. Depending on the reason why you are currently experiencing pain is…
A root canal may seem like a complex procedure, but it is a routine process…
The primary focus of a restorative dentist is the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental…
An infected tooth is a very serious dental emergency, and you should have it treated…
Dental crowns, also called dental caps, are dental restorations that are placed over existing teeth…
Understanding the difference between dental bonding and teeth whitening and how the treatment process works…
Undergoing routine dental cleanings is necessary to prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria responsible for…
