According to recent studies, it has been estimated that around 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of their dental anxiety. Although this would indicate a vast majority of Americans have the fear, it also means that dentists and hygienists are used to helping patients overcome and learn to manage the anxiety more than ever before.
People become anxious for multiple reasons when it comes to dental visits, and can be because of many different reasons. Some have a fear of the possibility of discomfort. Others worry that the dentist could be rushed or accidentally neglect their concerns or if they voice their anxiety.
Additional possible stressors can include negative memories of past experiences and even the types of smells of the dental office that can trigger anxiety from a past event. Sometimes, merely interrupting the typical day's routine for a dentist visit creates anxiety if someone is used to a usual routine that they do not like being interrupted.
However, dentists have learned that if they address dental anxiety with their patients, it can lead to ending the possibility of other health problems as well. Since having good oral health is essential for other health issues, getting dental anxiety under control is vital in other aspects as well.
One of the most critical factors in having the ability to overcome dental anxiety is having authentic and good communication between you and your dental team from start to finish. When you feel that you are being informed and have a sense of control throughout a visit, this dramatically lowers stress and anxiety during a dental appointment.
When speaking to most dentists and dental teams they know what works in helping their patients feel comfortable about visiting the dentist. Time and time again it has been mentioned that when a patient is honest with their team about how they are feeling, that is when the most strides are made.
One of the things that dentists can do that they have found help a vast majority of people with dental anxiety is to give them a type of “behind the scenes” looks of how the office works and help them see everything for what it is. Even the tools that are used and procedures that can be completed.
Give our office a call, and we can begin helping you work through your anxiety and what to do to overcome those fears. By working with a caring dental team who will go the extra mile to ensure their patients are free from anxiety during their visit is essential and how we work.
Contact our office today and let us begin helping you overcome your fears and find the dentist enjoyable and a pleasant experience. Give us a call!
Request an appointment here: https://stunningsmilesoflakeforest.com or call Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest at (949) 258-7433 for an appointment in our Lake Forest office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety.
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