Dental anxiety is common, but there are ways to help you manage it. For example, if anxiety prevents you from going to the dentist, some things can help you cope. Dental anxiety is fear, anxiety, or stress associated with a dental setting. Being scared to visit the dentist can delay or avoid dental treatment. 

Needles, drills, or the dental setting can trigger dental anxiety. 

Dental anxiety can be caused by:

  • traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experience
  • previous trauma to the head and neck
  • different traumatic experiences, including abuse
  • generalized anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder

How dental anxiety or phobia can affect your oral health

Avoiding the dentist can result in ease dental disease getting worse. A greater need for emergency care or more complex treatment. It can also feed the underlying problem of dental anxiety. With a tooth infection left ignored, it is almost impossible for the dentist to numb and treats the area.

Regular dental check-ups and X-rays of the teeth can prevent dental disease. And help the dentist find any problems early, so that more straightforward and less invasive treatments are needed. During regular check-ups, dentists also check for signs of mouth cancer, which is especially important for those who smoke or regularly drink alcohol, and even more so for those who do both. In addition, if you notice a mouth ulcer that lasts longer than two weeks, get it checked by a dentist as soon as possible.

Pain-free dentistry

Dental patients everywhere have one thing in common: most people don’t like anesthetic shots. So to make the process of getting dental care more comfortable, Dr. Kohler uses a unique anesthesia system. A computer-controlled design rather than one large, stinging injection creates a comfortable numbing experience.

When dentistry is less painful, patients are less likely to develop dental anxiety and can seek the treatment they need to maintain their oral health.

If you are looking for a new dentist for your family or just yourself, don`t look any further. Dr. Kohler is patient with adults and kids, making even the most terrified patient feel at ease. Patients appreciate the doctor’s calm disposition, answering questions in detail, and providing the highest level of dental care. Click here to schedule your first visit.