Common Dental Fears

We work with lots and lots of dental phobic patients. Over the years, Dr Kim Ivett has developed many wonderful relationships with these patients, we have a mutual respect for each other and what we have achieved together to absolve them from their dental fears.

We often are finding more and more that there are legitimate fears of the dentist that do not all revolve around the drill and needles. There are many factors associated with dental appointments that can cause anxiety, the majority of which are directly related to loss of control or feeling out of control and fears related from the noise of dental equipment.

We would like to share some of them with you, in the hope of letting you know that you are not alone and it’s okay to have fears.

Below are some further examples of deal phobias written by Dr Kimberly Ivett and remember to tell our team when booking your visit if you do have any special requests so we can prepare and make your visit more comfortable.

Fear of Panic Attacks

If you have ever suffered from a panic attack, you know the point at which you can’t reverse it and the episode is going to happen whether you like it or not. This is an absolutely frightening and horrible feeling, I myself have experienced them. You have no control over what is about to unfold and your body is sending you a mass of hormones to make you feel panicked. Panic attacks can be triggered from a variety of stimuli, generally specific to each individual person. Wanting to avoid these stimuli at all cost is completely natural and understandable. However, sometimes we can’t always avoid them and it can be a daunting experience putting yourself in that situation which has caused a previous attack or replicates the initial feelings before a panic attack. This in itself is a legitimate fear that I have found this is one reason that has stopped people from going to the dentist for years. The most important thing I can tell you is that there are dentists out there that understand this, and really care and will be able to remove this fear completely. Please let us know that you are feeling nervous, so that they can be more aware of things should they start to develop.

Fear of Crying

When put in a stressful and emotional situation, crying is an involuntary response to what is happening. Nobody wants to cry in front of their dentist, and not wanting to accidentally cry is a reason for avoiding the dentist. Do not ever be embarrassed, dentists are people too have all cried too and you know probably over much less. Make sure you find a dentist who is empathetic to what is worrying you and you will find that this is a very easily overcome fear.

Gagging

Patients with severe gag reflexes know how challenging a dental visit can be. Being nervous only exacerbates the whole dilemma, making your gag reflex all the more prone to being upset. Most times there are certain techniques or procedures that can be altered to make like easier for you. Sleep dentistry is one of the best methods for treatment, as the medications used suppress your gag reflex and as a bonus, you get to have a nice sleep and wake up once your treatment is finished.