Dental Anxiety vs Dental Phobia | Overcoming Your Dental Fears

South Lincoln Family Dentistry

Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia

What’s the Difference?

Do know you are not alone. In this article, Dr. Christine Bergman, a “dental phobia dentist near me” at South Lincoln Family Dentistry, explains the difference between dental anxiety and dental phobia, and she’ll also offer some interesting facts about famous people who did not like dentists.

The model of South Lincoln Family Dentistry was founded and based on my personal and professional experience as a dental patient, parent and practicing dentist. Have you been looking for excellent dental care, but are afraid of the dentist? Perhaps you are trying to live healthier and want to make dentistry a part of your healthy lifestyle.

South Lincoln Family Dentistry has compassionate, caring professionals. All of our dental professionals are health oriented to encompass your overall well-being and would love to take care of you. Need to find a more convenient location? No problem! We have dental office locations in South, East, West, North and Central Lincoln.

Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia: What’s the Difference?

Dental phobia and dental anxiety are common concerns for many patients. It is estimated that 45 million people suffer from anxiety related to dental treatment in the United States. This anxiety is often related to the fear of discomfort or needles causing discomfort. Some people have higher anxiety in general and these feelings can be intensified at the dental office.

Although the expressions dental phobia or dental anxiety seem interchangeable, it is important to distinguish between the two in order to help patients find ways to cope with them.

Dental anxiety: Anxiety in general, usually stems from a fear of the unknown. When treating patients with dental anxiety, we strive to be sensitive to their concerns and communicate clearly with them before, during, and after treatment so they feel that they know what to expect. We have found that this greatly improves most patients’ experience while in our care.

Patients with dental phobia may feel an extremely intense and irrational fear of situations and objects they perceive to be threatening. Many patients with dental phobia react to the sounds associated with treatment and have a strong fear of discomfort during the treatment.

suggestions To Help alleviate Your Dental anxiety:

Try to find the reason behind your anxiety. Be sure you talk to your dentist about it and call the office ahead of time to see if they seem sensitive to your fears and concerns.
When you feel confident you’ve found the reason for your dental anxiety, you can try a few things at your appointment to see which one works well for you. Bring headphones and listen to music that will help you feel relaxed and happy.
Try not to schedule your appointment on a day that is already very busy or filled with important meetings.
Keep your communication with the dental team clear, letting them know of any triggers that will make you feel more anxious during your appointment.
Ask questions about future appointments. If you know what to expect, you may feel less anxious about it.
Have a clear agreement with your dentist about how you will let them know if you are uncomfortable or are having any discomfort during treatment.