From Death to Discomfort - Battling a Fear of the Dentist

Some may balk when the topic of being afraid of dentists comes up, but it certainly isn’t something to take lightly. The truth of the matter is that this fear can become so severe it leads to a lot more than just poor overall health. Thankfully, you have many options when it comes to dealing with a fear of the dentist. It all depends on the severity of your fear, and exactly what it is that scares you.

Being Uncomfortable With The Dentist

Very few children or adults actually enjoy going to dentists. In fact, an estimated 75% of adults are afraid of something to do with dental care. Interestingly, only 25% have fear based on a previous bad experience. In many instances, the cure is nothing more than telling yourself that these professionals are no different from a medical doctor — they are there to help you feel and keep you looking your best, not there to cause intentional pain or discomfort. For others, considering the alternative is enough. In fact, many forget about their discomfort once the appointment begins.

To help ease these feelings, choose an oral care professional that is experienced and friendly. He or she should make you feel welcome and relaxed when you sit in the chair. Taking a little time to relax prior to the visit can also help significantly.

Mild To Moderate Phobias

In cases such as these, sedation dentistry can be a powerful tool in battling the dentist jitters. Administered orally, with gas, or IV, this causes you to relax medically to the point where you are very close to sleeping. In many cases, patients hardly realize they’ve had the treatment. Sedation dentistry is also extremely helpful when it comes to lengthy or extensive treatments. It also helps to choose dentists who have an office and lobby that resemble a place to get comfortable rather than a traditional, sterile waiting room.

Can Being Scared Of Dentists Really Lead To Death?

In 2005, an eight-year-old girl from England literally starved herself to death over the fear. After having eight of her baby teeth surgically removed under general anesthetic, she became so terrified of a dental treatment she refused to open her mouth. After an assessment and a feeding tube, she returned home only to continue refusing food and most liquids. She was afraid if she did, she would have to go back to the oral care professional, who admitted the surgery hadn’t solved the issue.

Granted, this would have been a frightening experience for anyone, but there is no reason it should have killed her. The medical professionals did admit a failure on their part, but the fact remains that fears this severe require nothing short of immediate, professional attention.

Regardless of how afraid you are, it is important to address the issue and seek help. Whether it is a sedation dentist in San Jose, or nothing more than a friendly face in Chicago, dentists will work with you to find the ideal solution and get your smile up to snuff.