Dental Phobia: Why Fearing the Dentist is Bad for You

Dental Phobia: Why Fearing the Dentist is Bad for You

We have all had that feeling of dread and fear before a dentist appointment. For some people it is the pain from the needle, for others it is the unpleasant whir of the drill that causes strong negative emotional reactions before a visit. People around us will say all kinds of supportive things, but they normally don’t have the intended effect of calming you down; instead it may seem like your legitimate fears are being minimized. Regardless of what causes your dental phobia, it is a serious issue that deserves proper attention and care. At its core, the phobia is mostly due to not having any control and fully entrusting yourself to a stranger.

More Than Just a Cavity

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Letting your phobia get the best of you will result in both short-term and long-term negative consequences. Regular visits can catch problems while they are small and help avoid complex and painful procedures in the future. A dental consultation may be a great way for you to develop comfort with your dentist so that your subsequent visits are more pleasant and less stressful. Once the “unknown” factor is removed, it becomes much easier to visit the dentist.

A less obvious, but even more serious problem, that can result from dental phobia is the loss of self-esteem. Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, and if you are embarrassed to show off your pearly whites you could develop issues like social anxiety and lack of confidence. It is important not to neglect this aspect of oral care because it can lead to more serious consequences that may require help from outside the dentist’s office. A tooth cleaning and minor repair work at regular intervals will do wonders to your own self-image.

A Good Dental Experience

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A good dentist understands that these issues are no laughing matter and will work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable. They may put you on a gradual treatment plan to avoid emotional overload from having too much work done at once. This will also have the added bonus of making you feel more comfortable with the team at the dentist’s office. After several painless and comfortable procedures you will notice that your fears will begin to go away and you will enjoy your bright smile.

Ohana Dental Clinic values both your physical and emotional well-being. We understand how stressful a visit can be. Our team is sensitive to your fears and will ensure that you feel comfortable at all times. Call now to schedule a dental consultation with our friendly staff and discuss a customized treatment plan that will leave you feeling confident and safe.

Call us now 905.697.3440, we look forward to making you feel like a million bucks!