What Are Common Triggers of Dental Anxiety?

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

5 Reasons To Work With A CEREC Dentist

Modern dentistry is improving with new technology that enhances patient comfort, convenience, and results. One of the most notable innovations is CEREC. A CEREC dentist provides same-day dental restorations with great precision and efficiency. Choosing this dental provider can change your treatment experience by making it quicker, more reliable, and more comfortable. Here are five…

How A Surgical Dental Implant Fuses With Jawbone

If you are looking to replace several teeth due to decay, infections, disease, injury, or other loss, then you may be looking for your options for a dental implant. The good news is that these procedures have been done frequently, and therefore, a lot of knowledge is known about the process and what to expect.…

Why Do I Need Spacers In My Orthodontics Treatment?

Spacers are often needed in orthodontics to help enhance the entire treatment process. A lot of people have a need for spacers to ensure that their orthodontic treatment goes to plan. This addition to braces or aligners may be recommended by a general dentist. This article outlines what spacers are, how they work, and when…

What To Expect During Your First Visit To A New Dental Office

Visiting a new dental office for the first time can feel exciting and a little uncertain. Knowing what to expect can help make the experience smooth and stress-free. A first visit is a great opportunity to meet the dental team, discuss concerns, and help patients feel confident about their dental care.The front desk team usually…

Nina Basti DDS

Share
Published by
Nina Basti DDS

Recent Posts

5 Reasons to Work With a CEREC Dentist

A CEREC dentist provides same-day dental restorations with great precision and efficiency.

4 days ago

How a Surgical Dental Implant Fuses With Jawbone

If you are looking to replace several teeth due to decay, infections, disease, injury, or…

3 weeks ago

Why Do I Need Spacers in My Orthodontics Treatment?

Find out how spacers are used in orthodontics. We go over what they are and…

1 month ago

What to Expect During Your First Visit to a New Dental Office

Visiting a new dental office for the first time can feel exciting and a little…

2 months ago

How Teeth Whitening Targets Discoloration and Stain

Professional whitening treatments, administered by a dental professional, typically provide faster and more noticeable results.

2 months ago

Ask an Emergency Dentist: What You Need to Know

An emergency dentist can be a reassuring source of professional care in moments of sudden…

3 months ago