What Is Dental Anxiety?

There’s a condition keeping anywhere from 9 to 15 percent of Americans from receiving the dental care they need, and it isn’t the cost of quality care – it’s dental anxiety. Folks experiencing dental anxiety may avoid the dentist for long periods of time and sometimes even try to endure dental pain rather than visiting a dentist.

At AustinDental.com, we understand just how large a barrier dental anxiety can be to our patients that experience it. For that reason, we’ve designed our practice to be as relaxing and comfortable as possible, and have trained our team to provide quality, compassionate care.

While we know that visiting the dentist does not rank high on many people’s wish lists, folks experiencing dental anxiety may feel terrified at the thought of a dentist appointment. They may also experience dread, uneasiness, and worry leading up to an appointment.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

There are several causes for dental anxiety. In some cases, a traumatic childhood experience at the dentist may cause someone to skip the dentist as an adult. Others feel out of control and helpless in the dental chair, which leads to anxiety. Still others are worried about the possibility of pain.

Strategies for Coping with Dental Anxiety

If you experience dental anxiety, we want to work with you to ensure you receive the dental care you need. Our team will be with you every step of the way when it comes to explaining different procedures and answering your questions. Some patients with dental anxiety find that bringing along a trusted friend or relative can help ease their nerves, and we are happy to accommodate this. Other patients may want to take advantage of our sedation dentistry services that allow us to make you comfortable during your treatment.

No matter if you experience dental anxiety or not, a good at-home oral care routine can help you avoid many common dental conditions. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, floss every day, and visit our office regularly for cleanings and exams. To ask us any questions or schedule your next visit, contact our office today.