Do You Suffer from a Fear of the Dentist?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Dentophobia, or a fear of the dentist, is a fairly common phobia to have. In fact, almost 36% of the U.S. population contend with dentophobia, with 12% of those same people having to deal with an extreme fear of the dentist. However, just because you fear the dentist doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put off having your teeth checked or cleaned. For those with excessive anxiety around dentist visits, Total Dental Care offers sedation dentistry to Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Washington, and Central Illinois residents. Call today to learn more!
Where Does Your Fear of the Dentist Originate?
Although some individuals’ fear of the dentist may be irrational, just as many people fear dental procedures for real reasons! Of course, there are a number of reasons why you might have anxiety about receiving dental care. Fortunately, our sedation dentistry services can relieve all of your fears and anxiousness. Here are some of the common reasons we see our patients struggle to make it into our office:
- Prior Negative Experiences – Past traumatic or painful dentist visits can leave a lasting impression on individuals, especially if such trauma was experienced at a younger age. The memory of these experiences can cause comfort or distress associated with dentists.
- Fear of Pain – No one likes to feel pain! Yet, some individuals are more sensitive to pain and have a heightened fear of it as a result. For those with sensitive teeth or who have heard “horror stories” of painful dentist visits, a fear of pain can be enough to keep you away.
- Loss of Control – For others, fear and anxiety stem from a lack of control. Lying back in a dentist’s chair with limited ability to move or speak can create the perfect storm of anxiety or panic for some patients.
- Fear of Needles or Drills – The fear of anything sharp or pointy going into your mouth is enough to turn people away from the dentist and other critical medical procedures requiring needles.
- Severe Gag Reflex or Claustrophobia – We have some patients who struggle with their gag reflex or feel claustrophobic when having dental work done. True enough, both problems cause trouble for patients and the dentists trying to work in your mouth.
How Can Total Dental Care Help?
Your fear of the dentist stands no chance against Total Dental Care’s compassionate dental care and specialization in sedation dentistry. For any of our procedures, our patients can choose either oral or inhalation sedation to help put them at ease during their time in the dentist’s chair. Our sedation is perfectly safe and highly effective for those with severe anxiety visiting the dentist. Here’s what some of our sedation dentistry assists with:
- Managing Anxiety – The use of sedation helps keep our patients calm and at ease during dental procedures, avoiding uncomfortable anxiety and panic attacks.
- Reducing Fear – If you’re fearful of needles or drills, sedation helps to dull your awareness of these triggers.
- Lessening Pain – Besides dulling your awareness, sedation can reduce your body’s sensitivity to pain, helping you feel less uncomfortable during dental procedures.
- Easing Gag Reflex – An overactive gag reflex makes it difficult for dentists to operate in your mouth. However, sedation helps dull your senses, thus easing your gag reflex.
- Encouraging a Positive Dental Experience – Overall, sedation dentistry looks to quell common fears and discomfort you have surrounding a dentist. Sedation helps make dental procedures more manageable, thus creating a more positive and comforting environment for our patients.
Discuss Compassionate Dental Care with Our Team
If you need help overcoming your fear of the dentist and achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile, count on Total Dental Care of Pekin and our sedation dentistry. If you live in Pekin, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, or any community in Central Illinois, you can schedule an appointment by calling 309-347-7055. Our main office is located at 13 Olt Ave, Pekin, IL 61554.