Dental Phobia

Few of us will admit to not being a little anxious about going to the dentist. However, for some the prospect of just entering a dental office cripples them with fear. There′s a world of difference between the dental phobic and the patient who experiences a little apprehension just before a procedure. Dental phobia is a serious problem which often prohibits patients from seeking dental care. Recent studies show that 50% of the American population does not seek regular dental care. An estimated 9–15% of all Americans avoid much needed dental care due to the anxiety and fear surrounding the dental experience. This translates to some 30 – 40 million people so afraid of dental treatment that they avoid it all together.

Fear of the dentist occurs for many reasons:

Fear of Injections –
Many people are terrified of needles, especially when inserted into their mouth. A small percentage of the population will faint at the sight of a needle or syringe or indeed the thought of an injection.

Fear That the Injection Will Not Work –
Local anesthetic is always effective if it is injected in the correct anatomical area and given sufficient time to take effect. It works by blocking the nerve supply to the particular region under treatment.

Fear Due to a Previous Bad Experience, Common Causes Include:

Fear of Local Anesthetic Side Effects, such as dizziness and fainting. Considering the number of dental injections given, there are remarkably few reports of any side effects. In fact, there have been only a few reports of true allergic reaction to the local anesthetics.

Dislike of the Numbness Associated with the Local Anesthetic –
This is a common complaint but most people realize the benefits of local anesthetics far out way their dislike of the numbness.

Fear of Unnecessary Treatment –
Some patients may question the need for a particular treatment. All dentists should be able to easily show the problem to the patient either by using an x–ray, intra oral camera or patient mirror. An explanation of the treatment plan along with a reasonable estimate of cost should always be given.

Our practice is equipped to help you overcome your dental phobia. At your first visit, we take the time to address concerns or questions that you may have related to your treatment.

Asking questions about your mouth and the proposed treatment will help remove some of the fear of the unknown and give us an opportunity to become more involved in your dental health. Most importantly, we are eager to work with you, not just on you.

And, thanks to advances in dental technology there are many methods available to help you overcome your dental phobia during treatment. With advanced, safe oral medication, to do “SLEEP DENTISTRY”, we can correct years of embarrassing problems in as little as one appointment, while you sleep. Or, we can provide you with nitrous oxide gas, commonly known as “LAUGHING GAS” to help calm and relax you.

And, to drown the sound of the drill we can provide you with a portable cd/radio headset.

We believe that providing you with a positive experience can have a profound effect on your dental health and well–being. Please contact us today, and get your dental care done differently than you ever have before.

 

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Dr Robert Capps, DDS, Dr Mark Bowman, DDS, and Dr Rick Webb, DDS: Periodontists - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the communitiy of Greenville, North Carolina (NC).

Ph: (252)752-1111, Fx: (252)752-9851
1609 Arlington Blvd. Suite 107 Greenville NC 27834

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