Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad…Dentist?

Posted on May 20, 2022 by DentalCMO

People that suffer from dental phobia (Dentophobia) may take comfort in the fact that it is a fairly common diagnosable mental condition. At least they know they are not alone and that the medical community takes it seriously.

Phobias like Pteromerhanophobia: (the fear of flying) and Acrophobibia (the fear of heights) can be challenging, but a person can live a perfectly healthy life without getting on a plane or riding an elevator to the top of the Chrysler Building.

A person who suffers from dental phobia or dental anxiety is at risk of entering a vicious cycle of declining oral health.

Fear causes the person to forego dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a tiny cavity) advances until it hits a nerve and results in pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.

At this point, the necessary therapy is an involved procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The service reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some people end up losing teeth at a relatively young age.

Experts believe that the frequency of dental phobia may be as high as one in four people. Are you one of them?

At Dr. Howard Kessner General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we want to help uneasy patients successfully overcome or at least manage their anxiety so they can tolerate twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the best way to protect teeth and gums.

If you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can communicate with Doctor Kessner about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).

If you are afraid of going to the dentist, there is hope. At Dr. Howard Kessner General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to request a consultation today.