People who experience 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 challenging, but a person can live a perfectly healthy life without getting on a jet 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 falling into a vicious cycle of declining oral health.
Fear causes the person to forego dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a tiny cavity) progresses until it taps a nerve and creates pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed therapy is an involved 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 frequency of dental phobia may be as high as one in four men and women. Are you one of them?
At Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center, we want to help nervous patients successfully overcome or manage their apprehension so they can tolerate twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the only method to protect teeth and gums.
Please schedule a consultation if you haven’t had a dental evaluation in a while. You can speak with Doctor Mantis about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you are terrified about going to the dentist, there is hope. At Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to book a consultation today.
