You may be surprised to learn that many people feel nervous or stressed leading up to or during a dental appointment. There are even some who’s anxiety goes so far as to be described as a phobia. Their fear of the dentist will lead them to do whatever they can to avoid visiting a dental office.
There are many things that can lead to dental anxiety. Some of the more common causes are:
– The fear of discomfort or pain.
– Feelings of loss of control or helplessness. Some people become anxious because they can’t see what’s going on and cannot predict what will cause discomfort.
– Embarrassment. Some people feel ashamed to have a stranger looking into their mouth, particularly if they have dental flaws. In addition, many people may feel uncomfortable because of the physical closeness of the hygienist or dentist.
– Negative experiences. If an individual has experienced discomfort or pain during a past dental procedure, they are likely to feel more nervous the next time they visit the dentist.
If you experience dental fear or dental phobia, it is very important that you talk to us about it. Dr. Timothy Collier and our team can work with you to ensure your comfort when you visit our office. There are also things you can do to reduce stress and anxiety. These relaxation techniques include:
– Deep breathing.
– Progressive relaxation, during which you consciously relax each muscle or area of your body one at a time.
– Distracting yourself. You can bring music and earbuds to our office.
To learn more and to schedule a visit with our dentist in Manchester, Iowa, contact Dental Associates of Manchester at 563-927-4746 today.