Many people stress about going to the dentist, some so much so that it causes major anxiety, which can result in missed appointments, and ultimately, result in a less than healthy smile. Millions of people fail to get necessary dental care because they’re afraid to go to the dentist. If you’re one of them, you’re certainly not alone, and there are a number of reasons behind it.
Pain
One of the most common reasons for dental anxiety is the fear of pain. “Is it going to hurt?” is the question on just about everyone’s mind whenever they sit in a dental chair. No one likes pain, and your teeth and gums are a sensitive area of the body, which is why proper pain management is so essential. Modern dentistry shouldn’t be painful – in fact, today’s dentists are quite skilled at preventing pain during all types of dental procedures and many, including Dr. Rita Medwid, can even offer sedation dentistry in Stuart, a painless solution for a pleasant, anxiety-free visit.
Guilt or embarrassment
If you feel embarrassed about the health of your mouth and teeth, it can cause severe anxiety about going to the dentist. At the same time, just being anxious can cause one to feel embarrassed and afraid to make that important appointment. But remember that dentists have all dealt with many patients who suffer from the same fears – and they’ve also seen every type of dental problem imaginable, they’re here to help.
If knowing that doesn’t ease your anxiety, your sleep dentist in Stuart can help you relax so you can enjoy the beautiful, healthy smile you were meant to have.
Needles
A fear of needles is very common. Some fear the pain from the actual injection, while others fear being injured by the needle itself. Whatever the reason behind it, you’ll be happy to know that instead of the pain of a sharp needle, there are rub-on lidocaine creams that can numb your gums before the needle goes in so that while you’ll feel some pressure, it’s totally painless.
If the thought of a needle in your mouth causes an extreme amount of anxiety, you may be a good candidate for sleep dentistry. Your sleep dentist in Stuart can review your medical history and current medications to determine if this technique can help you.