How to Get Beyond Dental Anxiety

Ways to Get Beyond Dental Anxiety

Many would rather withstand the excruciating pain of a dental challenge than visit the dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 25 million Americans neglect dental care because of fear. Millions choose to suffer through their discomfort to avoid treatment. Odontophobia is an unreasonable fear of oral surgery. Ironically, much of the dental anxiety associated with common procedures is actually fear in anticipation of the treatment instead of the actual treatment itself.

Research studies tell us that dental anxiety is often based on the memory of an undesirable experience; something that happened in the past relevant to a dental procedure. Children may have been restrained against their will during a treatment, or their expression of pain was largely ignored, circumstances that may reflect as the sensation of helplessness and panic as grownups.

There are two aspects inherent to dentistry which exacerbate oral phobias: the invasive nature of dentistry and the surrender of control experienced by the patient. Dental professionals discover that, to treat their patients, they need to invade their personal bubble. Dentists are often closer to you than almost any other doctor needs to be.

Where Dental Anxiety Originates from

Patients feel defenseless while a dentist invades their space and does work in their mouths where they can’t see what’s happening. The entire process is unpleasant, made more so with the loss of verbal communication. During the treatment, a patient is normally confined to a chair with jaws maintained open, the ceiling the only thing in clear view, unable to see what’s happening and their imagination running wild. Without the ability to see exactly what the dentist is doing, it becomes much easier to visualize your most prominent fears.

Dental stress and anxiety might represent a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more you avoid your fear of the dentist, the worse the condition may become. When it finally becomes necessary to face your fear, the condition could potentially require more invasive procedures and possibly more discomfort than if you had gone earlier.

Contemporary dentistry recognizes the dental anxiety challenge and continues to develop brand-new methods to minimize it. Methods like basic relaxation and sedation dentistry are being backed by the American Dental Association.

The Solution

Smaller gauge needles and improved techniques are helping patients nervous about injections feel more comfortable. While a wisdom tooth extraction and periodontal surgery can be agonizing, technological breakthroughs make filling regular extractions and little cavities practically pain-free, with only a small amount of pain after the anesthesia diminishes.

Another efficient method of controlling anxiety is for the dental professional to establish trust with their clients.

Patient anxiety increases when a dental expert appears to be in a hurry and doesn’t practice a good “bedside manner.” Taking the initiative to explore the patient’s particular issues would go a long way toward setting them at ease. Left to their own thoughts,

Advantages of Dental Implants by Lemuel Forrest fm Flickr

patients will become more anxious regarding the risks of different treatments, such as the efficiency of anesthesia, the dental instruments being utilized, and the fear of AIDS, among other worries. These stressful responses to the experience might raise their panic level.

Over time, patient’s worries have evolved, but contemporary dentistry continues to develop various methods to deal with these fears more creatively.

The Facts about Dental Implants

Many find once they’ve waited as long as they dare, extreme measures are necessary and replacement teeth are required. Missing teeth and gum inflammation are usually an issue by the time the nervous patient finally checks in with their dentist and pain from dentures can be a further concern. Whether an individual is 20, 50 or 80 and requires replacement of any number, or all, of their teeth, dental implants may be a viable choice. Implants have become a reliable and popular means to replace missing teeth. They have proven to be one of the most outstanding developments in dentistry in 40 years, with more than 5.5 million implants provided annually.

What Are Implants?

When teeth are lost, the remaining teeth are affected. They will begin to shift, affecting biting and chewing, and possibly your ability to articulate properly. Spaces can be a cosmetic concern, however missing molars will affect your ability to eat properly. Bone loss can occur around missing teeth as well. Ultimately, all these are important reasons to consider implants as your solution.

Implants are posts that are secured to the upper or lower jaw, where they provide a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. They are made with materials that will be accepted by the human body, usually titanium, a strong, lightweight metal. Implants will fuse with the jawbone and offer firm support to the new teeth. They are installed with dentures, bridges or single teeth and will not slip or move, and feel more natural than bridges and dentures used previously. This stability is an essential benefit for speaking and masticating. Implants also facilitate bone mass retention after teeth are lost or extracted. They can last a lifetime if cared for properly, providing great value to the patient.

Discomfort has been Minimized

Most dental implant procedures involve less pain than a tooth extraction. Patients usually express surprise at follow-up visits for how little discomfort they endured, and that they should have had the work done ages ago!

During recovery, partials, dentures or temporary crowns can be placed over the implants while they heal. Where tooth elimination and implant replacement is needed, temporary teeth are manufactured prior to removal.

10 Year Success Rate

With technological advances constantly under development and the discovery of more durable implant materials, a 95% or better ten-year success rate has been reported. Having implants as an option for your dental challenges is very reassuring. Visiting your dentist to discuss treatment options and resolve any questions you may have is the first step to determining if implants are the right option for you.

We all would like to look our best and enjoy eating without concern. Visit your dentist and set yourself on the road to a more positive outlook and a better smile!

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ABOUT DR. KATHRYN JODRY, DDS:
As one of the premier Dentist In Richardson Tx, Dr. Jodry provides affordable dental care, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry restorative care in Richardson, Texas and the surrounding areas. Call us today at: (972) 235-6752 or Email: kjodrydds@yahoo.com