Dental fear is 100% real!
Dental fear is 100% real! Many people avoid stepping into a dentist’s office because they’re afraid of what could happen or previous dental experiences as a child. This fear ranges from minor anxiety to a dental phobia. Patients that have mild anxiety can still drag themselves into a dentist’s office. However, those who have a phobia have a much harder time doing so. Dental phobia, or odontophobia, is an intense fear of dentists and dental procedures. People who have a dental phobia will avoid going to the dentist’s office at all costs, even when they’re suffering from an excruciating toothache or a lot of tooth decay. Here are some more facts about dental fear and phobias.
What Percentage Of Americans Have Dental Fear?
Dental fear or anxiety affects about 36% of the population, according to a 2013 study. Also, 12% of the population suffers from extreme dental phobia. Close to 50% of the population doesn’t feel so great about going to the dentist’s office. The fear of the unknown or being uncertain is one reason why people become anxious. It stems from not knowing what’s going to happen in particular situations. While this may not always occur with every patient, knowing what will happen at your appointment can reduce some anxiety about dental visits.
Does Going to the Dentist’s Office Hurt?
Most dental procedures are painless, although you may experience slight discomfort following more complex treatment. In these rare cases, our dental professionals will use a numbing agent to ensure that you don’t feel a thing. We pride ourselves on completing pain-free dental lidocaine applications. We offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and even oral sedation medications to relax you before your dental treatment for patients with a more severe phobia. Even if you feel slight discomfort afterward, the pain will subside fairly quickly.
Let’s Talk About Dental Instruments
Dental instruments can look pretty intimidating, but in our hands, it can help alleviate your pain and change your life! Our team is full of friendly and family-oriented professionals who want nothing more than to make you feel right at home. Understand that these “tools” will put you one step closer to having a healthier, pain-free smile. Each tool has a specific function, and if you want to know what that is, never hesitate to ask.
Do you have a fear of coming to a dentist’s office? Reach out to Smile Designs of Olney today. We recommend that you try out a complimentary consultation. It may make you feel more comfortable about your experience and fully understand what’s going to happen. You’ll also become familiar with Dr. Mitchell A. Lomke, DDS, and Dr. Joshua M. Lomke, DDS.
Come to Smile Designs of Olney for All of Your Cosmetic Procedures
For your smile makeover or any other dental needs, come to Smile Designs of Olney! Book an appointment with us. Whether you want your teeth whitened, straightened, or restored altogether, we pride ourselves in quality patient care and giving you the smile makeover that you deserve. Our small, professional staff will make you feel right at home. We service the Montgomery County regions including Olney, Laytonsville, Brookville, Silver Spring, Rockville, Columbia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Germantown, MD. Contact us at (301) 260-0700, visit us online, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.