Have Dentophobia or Dental Anxiety? Know the Difference Between Them!

Are you intimidated by the thought of going to a dentist in Powell? Approximately 9-20% of Powell dwellers dodge going to the dentist due to apprehension! Here comes two situations: one is dental anxiety, and another is dentophobia, which is often used interchangeably. But dental phobia is a far more complicated condition than dental anxiety, leaving patients petrified and panic-stricken. However, the Powell, TN dental office understands both instances can indeed make people dodge the dental care that they require, and they’re not the same thing! Hence, let’s break down dentophobia and dental anxiety! 

Dentophobia: Overview

Dentophobia is less common, leaving people frightened by the thought of visiting the dental office. Different degrees of dentophobia are there, and you might bypass scheduling an appointment until you face a challenging issue, or you might never visit the dentist at all! Dental phobia may also get triggered by the things that cause dental anxiety. 

A traumatic experience at a distinct dental practice may also result in this. In several instances, patients with dentophobia know that their dread is ludicrous. But still, they have a tough time facing and overcoming their panicked feelings without assistance. The indications that one might have dentophobia are the following:

• Feeling emotional before going to the dentist’s chamber.
• Feeling nervous as your date of appointment gets nearer.
• A heavy feeling in your chest that often seems like trouble breathing.
• Suddenly feeling ill before your dental treatment.

Dental Anxiety: Overview

It’s a condition in which an individual is frightened by the surroundings, visiting the dentist, or obtaining dental care. Someone who is going through dental anxiety might have serious concerns about visiting the dentist or might have had a traumatic incident in the past. Luckily, people with dental anxiety can overcome the trouble, although they might be reluctant to do so. Some other individuals might see the dentist daily but become nervous and apprehensive about the visit. 

What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobia?

There are several reasons why some patients have dentophobia and dental anxiety. Below are the common reasons to consider:

• Fear of injections – Many individuals are petrified of the needles, mainly when given to their mouth. Apart from this fear, they often find themselves worrying that the anesthesia hasn’t yet taken effect prior to the dental surgeries beginning.

• Feelings of helplessness and control loss – People feel such helplessness or outbursts of negative emotions sitting in a dental chair with their mouths wide open, and they can’t see what’s going on inside.

• Fear of pain – It’s the most common reason for postponing or canceling the dentist’s appointment. This fear stems from a horrifying dental experience or from dental “pain & horror” stories narrated by others. But nowadays’ dental processes have become significantly advanced throughout the years and are less painful. 

• Humiliation and loss of personal space – Many patients feel uneasy regarding the physical proximity of the dentist to their face. Others may experience self-consciousness due to the way their teeth look or potentially unpleasant oral odors.      

• Dread of anesthetic side effects – Some individuals are frightened by the potential side effects of anesthesia, for example, dizziness and nausea. Others don’t prefer the “fat lip” associated with local anesthetics.    

The Cost of Dodging the Dentist

Avoiding the dental care services from your dentist in Powell can create a cycle of bad oral health. Cavities, a higher risk of gum disease, and early tooth loss are some of the issues that stem from delayed dental treatment. Unluckily, oral health problems can impact your general health. Bad oral health has been connected to conditions, for example, lung infections and heart disease.