Dental Anxiety, Fear and Phobias

According to the Journal Of Dental Hygiene – https://jdh.adha.org/content/91/1/30 – there is a difference between dental anxiety, fear and phobia. While anxiety is considered a reaction to a perceived threat (real or not) it can unfortunately manifest both physically and emotionally. Worrying about treatment expenses and expecting pain can be distressing. Phobias arise from fear and get overwhelming. But 50-80% of American adults admit to some levels of anxiety around seeing the dentist. We probably all know family, friends and co-workers (or even ourselves) who delay getting dental care because of a bad experience in their past. Or maybe they don’t like lying there feeling vulnerable while people in masks poke around inside their mouths with metal instruments.

Root Canals

Speaking of anxiety and pain, too many people are still scared about root canals being painful. But a lot of advancements have happened over the years, especially around common root canals. Like routine dental fillings and tooth extractions, and root canals have come a long way with cutting-edge techniques, state-of-the-art tools (lasers instead of drills) and better dental sedation. All of these work together to make dental care easier, safer and more comfortable than ever before, and yes, even with root canals!

If you have been putting off dental care, rest assured that our Denver Restorative Dentistry team in Broomfield, CO, can give you the pain-free care your smile deserves. Call us today at 303-586-1019 to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our skilled prosthodontists. Dr. Goggins, Dr. Aguirre, Dr. Pitz, and Dr. Poineal are here to help!

 #1 Dental Flossing

Brushing only cleans 50% of your tooth surfaces, because 50% of the harmful bacteria in your mouth accumulate between the teeth where the teeth meet because your toothbrush can’t reach those areas. This is where flossing comes as it can clean between the teeth and along the gumline, effectively fighting off cavities and gum disease from harming your smile.

 #2 Daily Habits

What habits do you have that show up in your smile? The condition of your teeth and gums reveal the following:

• If you are a regular soda, coffee, tea or wine drinker.
• Whether you are having excess stress in your life.
• If you are eating a nutrient-poor diet.
• If you have an eating disorder.
• If you use tobacco or drink alcohol excessively.

Clues that give away your daily habits include tooth stains and discoloration, tooth enamel erosion from acid, bruxism (teeth grinding), dry mouth, halitosis, and even various medical conditions such as diabetes and pregnancy can be revealed by looking at your oral health.

#3 Dental Anxiety

You might be experiencing dental anxiety if you avoid dental visits because you are afraid of experiencing pain during a procedure, or you feel nervous about having someone working in your mouth. Whatever your reason, thanks to modern advances in dental sedation, you can have the care you need in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Whether relief comes in the form of taking a pill, breathing in nitrous oxide, inhaling anesthesia, or using numbing agents, you can get the help you need to have a pleasant treatment.

#4 Dental Visits

When you come in for a dental cleaning and exam, dental issues will be detected while they are still easy and economical to treat and hardened dental plaque will be removed, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease if ignored. Both gum disease and early tooth decay are unnoticeable until they cause pain, and by then, some damage has been one.

To keep your smile healthy, eat a balanced diet, brush, and floss daily, and see your dentist regularly. To schedule your next visit with our team, please call 303-586-1019 to give your smile the care it deserves!

Talk to the Dentist

Tell Dr. Taylor Goggins how you feel when you are in their office. Make sure they knows about your dental fears and phobias. If your dentist knows, they will be able to determine the best way to manage and help your situation.

Bring Music

Music helps many people relax, so bring an iPod or CD player into the office with you. Listen to calming music throughout your treatment so you can maintain a slow and steady heartbeat and so you won’t feel as nervous.

Discuss Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is a great tool that relaxes many patients when they visit the dentist’s office. We are pleased to offer sedatives like oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and IV sedation for our patients struggling with dental anxiety. We encourage you to talk to your dentist and discuss your sedative options.

Determine a “stop” signal

Having a stop signal will help you have the control you want during your appointment. Whenever you feel nervous, scared, or uncomfortable, just show your dentist the signal and they will give you the break you need. The signal could be something as simple as raising your hand, blinking three times, or making a coughing sound.

As you do these things, you will notice your anxiety slowly melting away and you will finally feel comfortable in the dental chair. If you would like more tips on how to treat dental anxiety, call Denver Restorative Dentistry today at 303-586-1019. Dr. Taylor Goggins and our friendly dental team are happy to help you in any way we can!