3210 Wilkinson Blvd, Ste. B-2, Charlotte, NC 28208
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Solutions to dental anxiety come in many forms. If left untreated, dental issues can worsen over time. At Urban Family Dental, we empower patients with dental anxiety to take the necessary steps to address their underlying conditions.
If you’re in Charlotte or the surrounding area, we offer various solutions to help you overcome your fears. Remember, fear should never hinder your health. Call us at (704) 900-5445 to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety, often referred to as dental phobia, is a condition where patients experience an intense and debilitating fear of visiting the dentist. Those with dental anxiety recognize that their fear may be irrational, yet they struggle to manage it effectively. This overwhelming dread may lead them to avoid dental visits altogether, often only seeking care when faced with severe pain. Other common signs of dental anxiety include:
- Increasing nervousness while waiting in the dentist's office
- Intense discomfort at the thought of dental instruments being used during treatment
- Physical symptoms, such as sweating or a racing heart, when anticipating a dental visit
- Difficulty sleeping the night before a dental appointment
In some cases, dental anxiety can become so severe that it is considered pathological. Patients whose anxiety significantly disrupts their daily functioning may find it helpful to seek psychiatric treatment.
Causes of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can affect patients of all ages and backgrounds. Various factors may contribute to this unease, including fear of anesthesia, fear of injections, fear of pain, feelings of embarrassment, and a sense of helplessness.
While these concerns are valid, they don't have to overshadow a patient's dental experience. Being open and honest with your dentist about your anxieties is the first step toward managing them. At Urban Family Dental, we believe that effective communication is essential for a successful dentist-patient relationship.
Strategies for Coping with Dental Anxiety
Dealing with a dismissive dentist can exacerbate dental anxiety, so the first step in managing this issue is finding the right dental professional. Patients should discuss coping strategies with office staff and establish a signal to indicate if they need to take a break during treatment.
Mindfulness techniques can also be beneficial. Patients may find it helpful to practice breathing exercises or body scans while sitting in the dentist's chair. Others might prefer distractions, such as wearing headphones or keeping their hands busy.
It's important for patients to communicate any heightened sensitivity to pain, even with local anesthesia. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about asking questions or expressing fears; this openness is essential for creating a personalized plan to address dental anxiety effectively.
Children & Dental Anxiety
It’s common for parents to feel dental anxiety on behalf of their children. To help ease their child’s fears, parents should maintain a calm demeanor, as children often pick up on their parents' anxiety. It’s important not to mention that something will hurt or be painful, nor should parents promise rewards for going to the dentist, as this can lead to negative expectations.
While parents should inform their children about upcoming dental appointments, they should avoid overwhelming them with too much detail. Dentists are trained to provide simple, non-threatening explanations. Instead, parents should focus on emphasizing the importance of dental hygiene to their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Dental Terminology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.