People that suffer from 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 a plane 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 entering a vicious cycle of worsening oral health.
Fear causes the person to forego dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a tiny cavity) advances until it taps a nerve and leads to pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed treatment is an extensive procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The service reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some people end up losing teeth at a relatively young age.
Experts believe that the rate of dental phobia may be as high as one in four people. Are you one of them?
At La Costa Dental Excellence, we want to help nervous patients successfully overcome or at least manage their anxiety so they can tolerate twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the only method to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental evaluation in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can communicate with Drs. Dankworth about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you dread going to the dentist, there is hope. At La Costa Dental Excellence, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to request a consultation today.
Contact La Costa Dental Excellence:
760-633-3033
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7730 Rancho Santa Fe Rd Ste 106
Carlsbad, California
92009