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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
