Wondering if there are things that can trigger dental anxiety? Yes, there are. There are many different levels of dental anxiety. This means that dental patients who experience this common dental-related problem may experience a bit of anxiousness, while others will experience a great deal of anxiousness.
Why dental patients experience anxiety
Learning that anyone can experience dental anxiety can help those who experience anxiety understand that it is not their fault for feeling that way. Many people who are living with any level of anxiety when thinking about or getting ready to go to the dental office do so because they are afraid of pain. This means they have experienced pain in a previous dental appointment, which now causes them to experience this common dental-related problem.
Common triggers that increase one’s anxious feeling
According to PsychCentral, a trigger is something that sets off a memory tape or flashback transporting the person back to the event of their original trauma. The list below includes three different triggers that are known to potentially cause someone to start feeling anxious or increase their current state of anxiousness.
Smelling the smells of a dental office
The smells within a dental office are quite distinct and can therefore trigger emotions of dental anxiety in many patients. A few examples of smells that tend to be inclusive for a dental office include clove oil, acrylic, disinfectant, anti-bacterial soap, sanitation ovens and tooth dust. These dental-related smells are common triggers for certain patients, causing them to start experiencing or even make their current levels of anxiousness worse.
Hearing dental sounds, like drills
Many people will begin to experience more anxious feelings once they hear any of the sounds in a dental office. One of the most noticeable sounds one will hear when they are in a dental waiting room is a dental drill. Another example of dental sounds that can trigger one’s anxious feelings includes hearing the suctioning sounds that take place in just about every dental appointment.
Seeing dental tools, like needles
A common trigger for many dental patients is just seeing dental tools. Dental tools are often already laid out on a tray, just waiting to be used if needed by the dental professional. Once a patient sees any of these tools or instruments, it can trigger their anxious feelings. A common dental tool that tends to cause a patient to immediately feel anxious is needles, as they do not want to experience any pain.
Living with dental anxiety?
Are you someone who is currently living with dental anxiety? It is easy for these feelings to get in the way of one’s ability to see their dental professional on a regular basis. Whether the cause of one’s anxiety stems from a previous painful dental appointment or another reason altogether, it is essential for dental patients to let their dental professional know exactly how they feel.
Request an appointment here: http://dentistinsanclemente.com or call Nina Basti DDS at (949) 201-4719 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
For individuals with crooked or misaligned teeth, a dental provider may recommend wearing braces as a corrective treatment. Patients may be able to choose between clear braces or metal braces, depending on the condition of the teeth and mouth. Though the overall goal of straightening the teeth is one reason many pursue braces, there are…
Patients who are ready to take the step and get dentures now have more options than would have had in the last five to 10 years.As dental technology continues to advance, patients who have one or more missing teeth now have several options for them to choose from with their dentist.For individuals that are ready…
Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations. Most fillings will need to be replaced after around a decade, with some types lasting longer than others. If you are wondering whether it is time to replace your old dental filling, be aware that as long as it is continuing to…
A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire tooth structure from the crown to the roots. This tooth replacement can enhance your oral function and health. Here are the details on how a dental implant can improve your quality of life.Research shows that oral structures work together to…