What is dental anxiety?

Healing Dental Anxiety

Do you have a fear of dentists? You're not alone! Many patients are genuinely terrified at the thought of a dental visit. It is the fifth most common cause of anxiety. This fear often leads to delaying or avoiding dental care, resulting in worsening of symptoms and leading to costly treatments. 

Dental anxiety may stem from various factors, including past negative or traumatic encounters—especially during childhood—observing anxiety in family members or friends, specific personality traits like neuroticism and self-consciousness, a lack of understanding about dental procedures, exposure to scary depictions of dentists in media, individual coping mechanisms, concerns about body image, and feeling vulnerable while reclined in a dental chair.

These are the most common dental fears:

  • Fear of embarrassment about the condition of teeth
  • Fear of gagging
  • Fear of needles
  • Fear of loss of control
  • Fear of not becoming numb 
  • Fear of pain
  • Fear of the dentist as a person
  • Fear of the dental drill or sharp instruments

Anxiety is frequently associated with heightened sensitivity to pain stimuli, leading to prolonged and intensified pain experiences in anxious patients. 

Identifying patients with dental anxiety is vital for providing appropriate support, care and pleasant dental experience. If you experience dental anxiety, know that you're in the right place, and we're here to help you manage it effectively.

How can we help you heal from dental anxiety?

At our practice, we've curated a tranquil experience, purposely designed to evoke a sense of calm and serenity. Dentistry can be stressful, but we believe in creating an atmosphere that feels anything but clinical. Whether you're here for an exam or a more complex procedure, our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where our patients can feel at ease. We hope that you'll appreciate the tranquil ambiance and holistic approach to your dental care experience with us.