It is estimated that half of all American adults have some degree of dental phobia, and of them, a full 20 percent have such severe anxiety that it may prevent them from getting even routine dental care. This can be extremely problematic, especially when you consider that the American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist every six months for regular dental exams and cleanings. Skipping these important appointments can leave your smile vulnerable to a variety of problems ranging from cavities to gum disease to even oral cancer. But what’s causing all this fear? Here’s a closer look at some common reasons for dental phobia, and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Dental Anxiety
While the cause of dental phobia is usually quite different in each individual patient, they all generally fall into one of the following categories:
- A traumatic experience at the dentist or another doctor.
- Prior trauma to the head or neck.
- Other traumatic experiences such as abuse.
- Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- The perspective that your mouth is a personal area and someone else accessing it is an invasion of privacy.
- The fear of loss of control of one’s body.
- Trust issues.
- Anxiety related to other conditions such as claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or agoraphobia (fear of being in a situation where you cannot escape).
Managing Dental Anxiety
While avoiding the dentist to escape experiencing dental anxiety may make things feel better temporarily, the problem with this is that neglecting your oral health can make any problems present a lot worse. If left untreated, cavities, tooth infections, and gum disease won’t simply heal or clear up on their own. They must be treated, or they could end up costing you more money, discomfort, and even your natural teeth. The good news is that your dentist nitrous oxide sedation to help make your appointment a lot easier and more comfortable.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that is administered with oxygen via a tube that fits comfortably in your nostrils. To use it, you simply lie back in the dental chair and breathe through your nose. Soon, you will feel calmer and more relaxed. For many patients, this is enough to help them get through their dental appointment. Once the treatment has been concluded, your dentist will have you breathe pure oxygen for about five minutes, and you will be free to go without any lingering side effects.
Remember, it is extremely common and completely normal to have some degree of anxiety about dental treatment, but when that fear takes over and prevents you from getting important oral health care, sedation dentistry can help. Speak to your dentist today about nitrous oxide sedation and get the care you need without the anxiety.
About Dr. Palmer
Dr. Sienna Palmer began her college education studying business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas before earning her dental doctorate at the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. Today, she has expanded her knowledge to include Invisalign, CAD/CAM technology, and minimally invasive biomimetic dentistry. If it’s time for your dental appointment but fear or anxiety is holding you back, Palm Dentistry is proud to offer nitrous oxide sedation to help our patients feel calm and comfortable during treatment. To learn more about this treatment and schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 949-365-0951.