Dental Anxiety Federal Way, WA
Solutions to dental anxiety come in many forms. When left untreated, many dental problems only get worse. We can help empower patients with dental anxiety to take the necessary action to treat their underlying conditions.
Solutions to dental anxiety are available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Fear should never get in the way of your health. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety, also known as dental phobia, is a condition in which patients have a debilitating fear of the dentist. People with dental anxiety are aware that their fear is irrational, but have little to no means of managing it. They may be so panic-stricken by the prospect of seeing the dentist that they will only go when forced by extreme pain. Other common signs of dental anxiety include:
- Escalating feelings of nervousness in a dentist’s waiting room
- Feelings of intense unease at the thought of a dentist placing objects in the mouth during treatment
- Physical reactions at the thought of visiting the dentist
- Trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment
At times, dental anxiety may get severe enough to be considered pathological. Patients who find that their dental anxiety severely impedes their normal functioning may benefit from psychiatric treatment.
“People with dental anxiety are aware that their fear is irrational, but have little to no means of managing it.”
Causes of Dental Anxiety and Phobia
Dental anxiety and phobia can stem from a variety of different factors. They usually tend to spark up during early childhood and stay with patients into adolescence and adulthood if kept unmanaged. While dental anxiety or phobia is often a result of genetic or behavioral reasons, there are common causes that patients have in common with these conditions.
These common causes include fear of pain, fear of injections, fear of anesthesia or its side effects, feelings of helplessness or lack of control, embarrassment, and lack of personal space. The feelings of fear can be associated with trauma-induced experiences as a child or unknowingness resulting from never trying a dental procedure. The other feelings listed relate to the self and how we feel when someone is taking charge of our body or mind. Building a strong relationship with your dental provider can greatly ease these feelings.
“…common causes include fear of pain, fear of injections, fear of anesthesia or its side effects, feelings of helplessness or lack of control, embarrassment, and lack of personal space.”
Coping with Dental Anxiety
Dealing with a dismissive dentist may only make the problem worse. Therefore, the first step to managing dental anxiety is finding the right dentist. Patients should also ask office staff about any recommended coping strategies and agree on a signal to let the dentist know if they need to take a break.
Mindfulness techniques can also help. Patients may want to try breathing exercises or doing body scans while in the dentist's chair. Others may benefit from distracting themselves by doing things like wearing headphones or occupying their hands.
Additionally, patients should let the dentist know if they are particularly sensitive to pain, even with local anesthesia. There is no need for patients to feel embarrassed about asking questions or being open about their fear. This is the only way to develop a truly individualized plan to attack one's dental anxiety.
“There is no need for patients to feel embarrassed about asking questions or being open about their fear.”
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Dental Sedation
There are three main types of dental anesthesia: local, general, and sedation. Local anesthesia is administered in one area, typically used for minor treatments such as cavity fillings. General anesthesia is used for longer or more complicated dental procedures such as tooth extractions and oral surgeries. This type of anesthesia is administered through a face mask or IV and keeps the patient completely unconscious during the entire treatment.
Sedation comes in many forms and has many levels (mild, moderate, and deep), depending on the severity of the patient's case. It can be administered orally, inhaled, intramuscularly (IM), or intravenously (IV). Patients with more severe dental anxiety or phobia are generally given a form of sedation so that they remain calm, comfortable, pain-free, and often asleep throughout the duration of their treatment.
“There are three main types of dental anesthesia: local, general, and sedation.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can I cope with dental anxiety?
Q. What are the causes of dental anxiety and phobia?
Q. What is dental anxiety in children?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during a dental check-up?
Q. What other resources can I use to find a dentist?
Q. What coping with dental anxiety and phobia strategies are available?
Dental Anxiety in Children
Dental fear and anxiety are most common in young children, with an increased prevalence in children aged 7 to 9. The study found that children with dental anxiety or phobia were more likely to acquire new carious lesions, experience toothaches, and require extractions. Parents play an important role in keeping children calm and helping them understand the importance of oral health. Avoid sharing too many details about their treatment or what they should expect.
Pediatric and family dentists are especially trained in explaining dental procedures in a calm, friendly, and simple manner. They can also provide certain strategies that they find works for their young patients. A kid-friendly dentist usually informs children about dental tools and injections and often lets them touch safe ones to ease their discomfort. Parents of children with dental anxiety or phobia should relay their concerns with the dentist on the first visit to keep them aware for all subsequent visits.
“…children with dental anxiety or phobia were more likely to acquire new carious lesions, experience toothaches, and require extractions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can dentists help with anxiety?
A. Dentists who understand anxiety use simple techniques to keep their patients calm during treatment. For example, they may inform them about what they are feeling, will be feeling soon, and for how long. They take frequent breaks and ask the patient for permission to continue or if they would like to stop completely. They can also adjust anesthesia levels to keep the patient comfortable even after the procedure.
Q. How is severe dental anxiety treated?
A. Severe anxiety or phobia, dental or otherwise, should be properly diagnosed and treated by a certified psychologist as they can be a result of another mental disorder or condition. Also, dentists have limited training in treating dental anxiety and will only use the techniques they know. We may refer patients to a psychologist or prescribe anti-anxiety medications as needed.
Q. How common is dental anxiety in children and adults?
A. According to a 2014 study, "Dental anxiety, or dental fear, is estimated to affect approximately 36% of the population, with a further 12% suffering from extreme dental fear." Dental anxiety affects people of all ages and backgrounds for various reasons.
Q. How do you know if you have dental anxiety?
A. The most common symptoms of dental anxiety include fear or failure of visiting a dentist, sweating, racing heartbeat, low blood pressure, crying, and withdrawal. There is a long list of common symptoms that patients may also experience.
Q. Why do I have dental anxiety if I have not experienced any pain or trauma in the past?
A. Dental anxiety can stem from a variety of different factors and can arise at any time during our lives. Some patients acquire dental anxiety as a result of a new dentist, past experiences of a friend or family member, or associated fear from online content about a procedure. In most cases, this is a mild or singular form of anxiety.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
- National Provider Identifier Database (1770035289). View NPI Registry Information
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