925-271-4529
When you know your teeth are in need of a routine cleaning, you’ve looked in the mirror and can no longer tolerate the gaps in your teeth, or your smile is compromised by yellowing and crooked teeth, a dental visit is required. That’s when the panic sets in. Dental anxiety grips people and oftentimes won’t let go. There can be serious consequences if left untreated, but more importantly, it’s a debilitating condition that is all too real.
Signs of Dental Stress
- Feeling sick
- Racing heartbeat
- Having ‘butterflies’ in your stomach
- Feeling worried and helpless
- Sweating and feeling clammy
- A feeling of dread
Dental fear (also referred to as dental phobia) is the extreme fear of dentistry and receiving any aspect of dental care. Most patients want to have a positive experience, yet what causes dental anxiety is fairly common.
- Fear of the dental drill
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Embarrassment about your dental health
- Hearing others’ dental stories that cause a fear of the dentist
- Fear of pain and the unknown
- Negative past experiences
In many cases, the negative experiences are shaped during our childhood years. Once into adulthood and if visiting an unsympathetic dentist, there is a trigger from our past that might cause trepidation about trips to the dentist. There is a struggle to cope with everything related to the dentist the instant a dental anxiety patient walks into the dentist’s office.
What Can Be Done?
While it is important to visit your dentist for routine examinations and cleaning, you must try to overcome your fears. If you avoid going to the dentist you are likely to develop dental health problems that will only exacerbate your nervousness about going to the dentist. Most dentists are helpful and understanding of phobias associated with dental care. They will often adapt their approach to help you feel more comfortable, but you must let them know your fears and anxiety, and what’s troubling you.
Techniques such as hypnotherapy, stress and anxiety management, breathing exercises, and essential oils are found to be very helpful. There are also popular treatments including sedation and painless injections, as these need to be discussed with your dentist prior to administering.
Dr. Maggie Chao in Pleasanton, CA has a wonderful chairside manner that will leave you feeling taken care of and at ease. She’ll listen to your fears, sympathize with your anxiety, and help calm your stress. Her team of dental hygienists is here to provide peace and comfort for your entire dental experience. Contact Pleasanton Prosthodontics today and give your smile and teeth the health they deserve.