We know that the dentist is a scary place for many people. There are many of us that dread going to the dentist, with fear being a predominant reason. But when we take a closer look at common dental fears and the root of what causes this discomfort, we can better help our patients and make them feel at home. Although some children are scared of the dentist, dental fears are more common for adults. Bad dental experiences in the past may have left them scarred, so they avoid going altogether. Here are some of the top reasons why people fear the dentist. In our next article, we cover how we help patients overcome their fear of the dentist.
Contents
Why People Have Dental Fears
- Pain
- Needles
- Sounds
- Cleanings
- Personal Space
Pain, Needles, & Sounds
The most common dental fear is pain, which might seem obvious as it’s inherent. Fear of needles usually comes with fear of pain because needles are typically associated with pain. Sometimes it might just be certain sounds themselves that induce the fear, whether it’s the drilling or the scraping of the teeth. This noise almost elicits a nails-on-a-chalkboard type of effect for some patients.
Fear of Dental Cleanings
Another reason patients might fear the dentist is that they’re scared of getting their teeth cleaned. Perhaps they’ve had a rough hygienist in the past or had a traumatizing experience at the dentist that has left them afraid to return.
Another fear is that their teeth are too dirty to show to a dentist, or that it’s been too long between dental visits, so the dentist might judge them. Not to worry! Those are two VERY good reasons to come in for a dentist visit, and we are here to help, not judge.
Dental Fears Triggered By A Need for Personal Space
While some patients are afraid of pain or cleanings, others are afraid of having their personal space invaded. They don’t like having someone in their mouth or hovering over top of them. Patients that have been physically or emotionally abused or have anxiety might feel uncomfortable being in such a vulnerable position.
Knowing these common dental fears, the team at Cedarwood Dentistry aims to create positive dental experiences for our patients. Here’s what we do to help patients overcome their apprehension about seeing the dentist.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.