What is dentophobia?
A phobia can be defined as an overwhelming and irrational fear of an object, place, or animal. In cases of a severe phobia, you may find yourself organising your life in a way which avoids what is causing you so much fear.
Dentophobia is the severe fear of visiting the dentist. If you suffer with this phobia, you may experience feelings of deep anxiety when you think about or visit the dentist in Brentwood, causing you to avoid it entirely even when you desperately require their help. The fear can lead to poor oral health as you may miss regular visits to the dentist to check for any signs of oral disease.
What is someone with dentophobia afraid of?
There are a variety of things that you may be afraid of if you suffer from dentophobia. These include, but are not limited to, worry that the anaesthetic may fail and being able to feel the pain of the procedure you are undergoing. Another fear you may have is of the blood associated with many dental procedures. A lot of people worry that they may choke or gag during a procedure or general check-up due to having fingers put deep into your mouth. You may associate negative thoughts and feelings with your dentist due to a bad experience in the past, or stories you have heard from other people. Feeling pain is one of the most common reasons people fear visiting their dentist in Brentwood even though the majority of dental procedures are not extremely painful and, if they are, can be solved with anaesthetic during the procedure and over the counter painkillers once the procedure is complete. People who fear needles and drilling noises may also show signs of dentophobia as these are highly common during a trip to the dentist in Brentwood.
What solutions are available?
If you suffer from dentophobia, it is best to contact your dentist in Brentwood so that you may discuss what options are available to make your visit more relaxing and less uneasy. It is absolutely vital that you visit your dentist regularly in order to ensure your teeth are looked after properly, and for that reason we offer several forms of sedation at Coptfold Dental to make sure you feel looked after and taken seriously.
The first type of sedation we offer is called intravenous sedation which involves a sedative being injected into your bloodstream via an IV line so that you feel more relaxed during a procedure. The dosage of the sedative drug is controlled by your dentist or dental hygienist to ensure the levels remain safe.
The second form of sedation is known as inhalation sedation which is a suitable option for those who have a fear of needles. A small mask is placed over your nose and mouth and your dentist will ask you to breathe in the sedative which is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. This form of treatment keeps you awake and aware during your procedure, however you will experience peaceful and calm sensations rather than feelings of fear and anxiety.
Another alternative your dentist may offer is to prescribe you sedative drugs such as diazepam which focus on making you feel more relaxed and sleepy.