In our previous blog, we covered how cost is the number one reason people steer clear of the dentist. This month, your Dresher dentist is talking about the second most prevalent deterrent: fear.
A 2013 research paper published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health found that dental fear affects 36% of the population and that 12 % suffer extreme fear. More than 20% of adults forego the dental chair because of it, reveals the American Dental Association.
It’s a complex topic, and many factors can contribute to a person’s fear of the dentist. Here are some of the common reasons:
- Parental influence. If your parents feared the dentist, their fear likely influenced your thoughts and feelings about dental treatment. One study found that 56% of participants who experienced dental anxiety as a child had a parent or sibling who did as well.
- Bad past experiences. Traumatic dental visits, especially during childhood, can negatively affect how you feel about going to the dentist. A survey of more than 1,000 university students found that those who had a distressing dental experience were two-and-a-half times more likely to have serious dental anxiety.
- Anxiety caused by other conditions. Dental visits can be significantly more difficult if you have claustrophobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or agoraphobia.
At Dresher Family Dental Care, our team knows how to help even the most anxious patients relax and forget they’re at the dentist at all. We take a gentle, caring approach and use minimally-invasive treatments to provide exceptional results. While you’re in the chair, we can use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or IV sedation to ensure you remain calm and have a more pleasant experience.
Be sure to let us know about your dental anxiety, and we will discuss your options with you. Find out exactly what it is you need in advance to have the most worry-free dental visit yet.
Yours in excellent dental health,
Dr. Anthony Antonuccio, DMD, your Dresher dentist
A unique, caring practice that really does focus on more than numbers.