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In films, cartoons, and all types of media, dentists have historically been portrayed in a bad light. This has led to many patients feeling apprehensive or even afraid of visiting the Woodbury County dentist and getting the dental care they need. Skipping dental visits can have several consequences for your oral health in the long run.

If you don’t want this to happen to your kids or are wondering why you feel especially scared of going to the dentist, here’s a breakdown of factors that lead to dental anxiety—with some tips on how to manage this condition.

What’s Dental Anxiety and Why Is it Serious?

Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon that affects many Americans. It’s characterized by physical or psychological symptoms that a person may associate with going to the dentist, which may make them completely avoid going there.

This anxiety can be triggered by commonplace dental office objects like drills or needles or simply by the idea of the office itself. People who suffer from it may miss appointments or avoid visiting the dentist entirely, which could harm their oral health and, consequently, their general health.

Factors that Cause Dental Anxiety

1. Past Negative Experiences

One of the primary causes of dental anxiety is a traumatic or unpleasant experience during a previous dental visit. It could be a former painful procedure, an uncomfortable environment, or feeling ignored by a dentist or dental staff.

A single negative experience can create lasting fear that triggers anxiety in future visits, especially if it took place during the patient’s childhood. In certain patients, the sole recollection of a previous dental procedure, no matter how minor, can cause anxiety.

2. Fear of Pain or Discomfort

Many people associate dental procedures with pain or discomfort. Nowadays, advances in modern dentistry have introduced local anesthesia and sedation techniques that minimize pain during dental procedures, but failure to apply them properly or medical inaccuracy can still lead to pain and, thus, fear.  

The anticipation of sharp objects, such as an injection needle or a drill sound, is frequently a source of this fear. Even though many procedures are almost painless, people often avoid going to the dentist because they fear discomfort.

3. Feelings of Loss of Control

Dental visits often require patients to recline in a chair with limited mobility, which can induce feelings of helplessness or a loss of control. Some patients may experience anxiety or a sense of being trapped during procedures due to the dentist's close physical proximity and the inability to see what is happening.  

This fosters a feeling of powerlessness that can contribute to high levels of stress and fear.

4. General Anxiety Disorders

Dental visits may cause increased anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or other mental health issues. The idea of sitting in a dental chair can cause an acute reaction in people who already battle with chronic anxiety.  

In these situations, the dental visit could intensify the person's stress by acting as an extension of their general anxiety.

5. Media and Cultural Influences

The way the media portrays dental procedures can also contribute to anxiety.  

Movies, TV shows, and advertisements often depict dental visits negatively, emphasizing pain and discomfort, which shapes the public perception of dentists. Among patients who suffer from dental anxiety, this may amplify their fear.

Additionally, cultural factors and family experiences can influence how individuals view dental care. For example, it’s common that if a parent dislikes going to the dentist, their child may view this experience negatively from the start, too.

Find a Woodbury County Dentist Who Can Help You

Dental anxiety is a multifaceted issue with a variety of causes. Understanding these factors can help individuals and healthcare providers work together to create more comfortable and supportive dental experiences.

Here at Wheelock & Associates Dentistry, we have a warm and dedicated staff with the knowledge to help you get the dental care you need. Reach out and tell us about your fears—we can find alternatives to make your experience more comfortable and even recommend sedation alternatives to make you feel at ease throughout the procedure.