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The Parkcrest Dental Group Looks At Dentist Phobia

  • May 12, 2017
  • 10:02 am
  • Dental Education, FAQ
  • Dentistry

Parkcrest Dental Group Asks – Why Are Some People Afraid of Dentists?

At the Parkcrest Dental Group, we know how important it is to make sure that our patients are comfortable at all times. In doing so, we also realize just how many people are uncomfortable with the idea of visiting a dentist or orthodontist, from a fidgeting anxiety to a full-blown phobia. But why do people fear general dentistry and oral check-ups? The Parkcrest Dental Group looks at some of the most common reasons and offers some reassurance to our patients.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group Examines Dentist Visit Anxiety

A Fear of Needles

We’ll start with perhaps the most obvious, and most common fear that people have when they visit the dentist. A fear of needles and shots is extremely common among both adults and children, but, for more complicated or extensive oral surgery, they’re necessary. While the needle may cause some discomfort, the pain of having teeth extracted without anesthetic would be far worse.

A fear of needles is common enough that it actually has a technical name – Trypanophobia. There are a lot of reasons for this fear, but it’s most commonly thought to be associated with traumatic experiences in getting shots as a child.

The Sound of the Drill

When you work at a dental practice like the Parkcrest Dental Group, you get used to the background noise of a dentist’s drill. But, for someone already nervous about their visit, the high keen of the drill from behind a closed door is pretty ominous. Fortunately, advancements in dental instruments have meant drills have gotten much quieter, but many people still feel uneasy about the use of them.

When it comes to having the drill applied to your teeth, there’s usually very little pain when anesthetic has been properly applied, and it’s important to remember that the fear you may be feeling is more to do with the anticipation than how it feels.

Related Post: How To Prepare Your Frightened Child For A Visit To The Pediatric Dentist

Feeling Helpless

Moving on to something that’s perhaps a little harder to tackle – the feeling of helplessness. While the dentist’s drill, shots, intimidating-looking instruments and unpleasant past experience are all pretty obvious, this one is deeper ingrained.

Even those of us who don’t consider ourselves control-freaks day-to-day still like to feel in control of our own body. When you sit back in a dentist’s chair, you might feel like you’re at the mercy of the dentist.

If you’re already nervous, this has the potential to make things worse. With a light shining from above and someone poking around the sensitive tissue in your mouth, it makes instinctive sense to feel uneasy, even panicked.

What’s important to remember here is that any good dental professional already knows this. The dentists at the Parkcrest Dental Group are there to make sure you feel at ease, and that you’re not simply at their mercy.

A Greater Fear Means More Dental Issues

The biggest problem with having a phobia of visiting the dentist is how off-putting it is. If you find yourself anxious enough to not bother making an appointment, your problems will only get worse in the long-run. Ignoring a toothache because of a fear of the dentist is a temporary solution, and the longer it’s left, the more extensive the work will eventually be. You could even be risking serious complications or illness.

Related Post: How Parkcrest Dental Group Can Help With Dental Anxiety

You Can Trust the Parkcrest Dental Group

While we can’t completely dispel a phobia of dentists and oral procedures, since a lot of them are often deeply-ingrained, we can assure you that the Parkcrest Dental Group has seen it all. Our dental professionals are happy to talk to you about your concerns and fears, and they want to be absolutely sure that your experience is as comfortable and easy as possible. If you’re looking for dentist or orthodontist to help you, contact the Parkcrest Dental Group today.

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Meet Some of Our Doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group!

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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