What Causes Dental Anxiety? 

If your heart starts pounding out of your chest at the mere thought of going to the dentist, you may be suffering from dental anxiety. This condition can cause people to delay or avoid necessary dental appointments and checkups. Learning how to manage your fear of the dentist with sedation dentistry in Boca Raton can help you get the treatment you need for a healthy, beautiful smile. 

What is Dental Anxiety? 

Dental anxiety is the intense fear or stress associated with visiting the dentist or being in a dental setting. Those with this fear would rather live with a severe toothache than see a dentist. Unfortunately, delaying this visit can cause more dental problems down the road that might involve invasive treatments, such as a root canal or tooth extraction. 

Common Reasons People Fear the Dentist 

People can fear the dentist for several reasons. Understanding the cause of this anxiety can help you try to overcome it. Below are some of the common reasons people may experience dental anxiety: 

Bad Experience from Previous Dentist 

If you’ve had a terrible experience at the dentist’s office in the past, it makes sense that you’d be reluctant to return. Anything from a dismissive doctor to a treatment going wrong can impact how you feel about visiting the dentist. 

Fear of Pain 

Unfortunately, many of the treatments and services involved in density are associated with pain because of drills and other complex tools we use. Seeing those devices can surely make anyone feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, dentistry has evolved a lot, and treatments are becoming less painful because of anesthesia and sedation. 

Fear of Needles 

A fear of needles is not uncommon for most American adults. This phobia can cause people to avoid getting necessary treatments that involve injections. 

Lack of Personal Space 

Your dentist will need to temporarily invade your personal space while they examine the inside of your mouth. Some people might be self-conscious about their appearance and would rather not have someone sit two inches away from their faces. Others may also be uncomfortable with having no control over what’s happening inside their mouths. 

Fear of Judgment 

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may feel embarrassed about the current state of your oral health. If you have cavities or gum disease, you might avoid going to the dentist for fear of receiving a lecture about how poor your teeth have become. Fortunately, the dental staff is only here to help fix the problem and advise you on how to take better care of your teeth and mouth. 

How Can Sedation Ease Your Mind? 

Sedation dentistry allows you to feel calmer in the dentist’s chair. We use medication to induce a relaxed state before you go in for treatment. Many forms are available depending on the procedure you’re undergoing and your preferences. You can take an oral sedative a few hours before your appointment, or you can inhale the medication through a respiration mask. 

Are You Looking for a Practice that Offers Sedation Dentistry in Boca Raton? 

Here at 5th Avenue Dental, we take all the necessary steps to help patients manage their fear of the dentist. We’re proud to offer sedation dentistry to help keep your mind at ease during your next appointment. If you have any questions about sedation, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today!