People that are plagued with 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 difficult, but a person can live a perfectly healthy life without getting on an airplane 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 getting into a vicious cycle of worsening oral health.
Fear causes the person to abstain from dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a small cavity) proceeds until it reaches a nerve and causes pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the required remedy is a major procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The process reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some men and women end up losing teeth at a relatively young age.
Experts believe that the prevalence of dental phobia may be as high as one in four men and women. Are you one of them?
At Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, we want to help apprehensive patients successfully overcome or at least manage their fear so they can withstand twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the most effective way to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental evaluation in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can talk to dentist McKay about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you are terrified about going to the dentist, there is hope. At Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to set up a consultation today.
Contact Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry: 206-381-3055
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
600 Broadway Ste 600
Seattle, WA
98122
