Dental Anxiety: What’s True and What’s Not at the Dentist

Dental Anxiety Benicia, CA

Dental anxiety is very common in people of all ages. It often induces feelings of fear or nervousness, both of which are somewhat to be expected from dental appointments and procedures. However, when dental anxiety causes one to avoid the dentist's office, problems may arise. When this is the case, it is important to try and get on top of dental anxiety. One way to do that is by going over what is true and what is not! More often than not, feelings of fear or nervousness come from myths and tales that are not even close to the truth. 

Understanding what is true at the dentist

Outlined below are a few truths and myths that can be helpful to review when experiencing dental anxiety.

Root canals are unbearable

One of the biggest myths in dentistry is that root canal procedures are absolutely unbearable. Long ago, the procedure was known to cause pain, which induced a lot of dental anxiety. However, over the years, the technology has improved greatly, which has allowed for pain management solutions, thus eliminating the discomfort. Understanding that there is pain eliminating solutions should help to reduce dental anxiety. 

Dentists are not gentle

Individuals who experience dental anxiety may fear that the dentist will not be gentle; however, that is far from the truth! Dentists undergo a lot of training to learn how to be gentle and careful when performing procedures or simple check-up appointments. 

There is no way to manage dental anxiety

When dentistry first was being practiced, there were not a lot of ways to manage dental anxiety, yes. However, currently, there are a lot of ways! Sedation dentistry, as well as other relaxation techniques, can be quite helpful in combatting dental anxiety. 

Sedatives can only be used for serious procedures

False! Sedatives can indeed be used for serious procedures; however, they can also be used for check-up appointments and minor procedures. A lot of people experience dental anxiety regardless of the type of appointment, which is where sedatives can be quite helpful. Nitrous oxide, for one, is a gentle and mild sedative that helps induce relaxation. 

Dental restorations cause discomfort

There is a common misconception that dental restorations cause discomfort; however, that is not the case. They actually reduce and eliminate discomfort caused by unhealthy teeth. While the procedure itself may be uncomfortable, the results are a much healthier tooth that will not cause aches or pain. 

Restoration procedures should not be feared as modern-day technology ensures that there is little to no discomfort during the actual procedure. Afterward, there may be slight soreness, which can be remedied with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Find out more from the dentist

Individuals who are experiencing dental anxiety can consult with a dentist to find out more. Any questions or concerns can be appropriately addressed, which can be helpful for reducing and eliminating anxiety. To learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out today. 

Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Benicia, CA.

Recent Posts

How Dentists Help Ease Dental Anxiety In Patients

Want to know exactly what having dental anxiety means? This term is used to describe any apprehension someone has when in a dental setting, which can happen before, during and even after going to a dental office. According to the American Dental Association, whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental…

Dental Anxiety Treatment: Understanding Your Options

Millions of Americans avoid appointments with the dentist due to dental anxiety. Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist increases the risk of developing oral health problems such as gum disease and premature tooth loss. Dental anxiety can range from mild to severe, leaving some people panicked at the idea of sitting in the dental chair. Fortunately, dental…

Overcoming Dental Anxiety With Guided Meditation Apps During Procedures

Wondering what to do about your dental anxiety? Only those who experience this common type of anxiety can fully understand how it makes them feel completely helpless. This is why choosing an experienced dentist who knows how to deal with dental patients who experience any level of anxiety is a great idea.Not all dentists understand…

The FAQ's Of Sedation For Painless Dentistry

Are you concerned about whether or not you will receive painless dentistry at your next appointment? You aren't alone. In fact, many people every year simply avoid the dentist altogether out of fear that they will have a painful experience. Unfortunately, for some people, they have already had a negative experience, so it's even more…

Recent Posts

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…

What You Need To Know About Partial Dentures

What You Need To Know About Partial Dentures

An article by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare states that more than 18 million people wear partial dentures. Anyone who has been considering getting partials to improve their speech, ability to chew, and even their appearance is not alone. It helps to have the proper information beforehand, though. Partials are created from a wide variety of materials, each…