People that are plagued with 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 747 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 decreasing oral health.
Fear causes the person to skip dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a miniature cavity) proceeds until it reaches a nerve and results in pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the required treatment is a major procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The treatment reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some individuals 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 individuals. Are you one of them?
At Center for Dental Anesthesia, we want to help nervous patients successfully overcome or at least manage their fear so they can endure twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the only method to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental examination in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can communicate with Dentist Mady about the many options available including IV sedation, general sedation, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you dread going to the dentist, there is hope. At Center for Dental Anesthesia, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to request a consultation today.
Contact Center for Dental Anesthesia:
703-379-6400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
5284 Dawes Ave
Alexandria, Virginia
22311
