Overcome Your Dental Anxiety

By Stafford G. Conley, Jr., DDS

Anxiety prevents us from doing many things in life. Some people fear flying, some fear boats, others are scared of snakes. While being fearful and avoiding those things that cause anxiety may be acceptable in some areas of our lives, it is not acceptable when speaking about dental anxiety. Avoiding the dentist because of fear can have serious negative consequences on not only your oral health, but your overall general health as well.

Typically, people who fear the dentist come as a last resort. They are in severe pain, with a swollen mouth or face, and can no longer bear the anguish of a bad tooth. Their fear has led to an unnecessary outcome. The main fears people have of going to the dentist are pain, needles, and the sounds of the instruments used in the office.

The great thing about dentistry in the 21st century is that many of these objectionable things can be overcome with the current advances and technologies of the field along with a caring group of individuals to provide the treatment. Needles can be administered with minimal or no discomfort. Procedures that historically were considered scary (root canals, extractions, fillings, etc.) can be done predictably without all of the negative fanfare they used to receive. Additionally, many of the procedures are shorter and the noises that used to be so scary are not nearly as bad.

So, combine great technology with a soothing environment filled with a staff that aims to make your dental experience a pleasant one and you have a winning combination for any dental phobic person. Today is a great day to make a pact with yourself to find a great dental team to help you overcome your fear and obtain the great smile you deserve.