That nagging
feeling of unease, a certain foreboding, a general distress – whatever you call
it, and however you describe it – dental anxiety plagues a number of patients
before their respective procedures.
It’s
certainly not a nice feeling, and it continues to affect around “a third of patients awaiting
their regular dental hygiene appointments in a new, if small, study published
in BMC Oral Health.” This prevalence has remained relatively
constant over the last 50 years, in spite of the advancements we have seen in
technology to make the patient experience more comfortable.
So where is
this anxiety coming from?
A lot of it
has to do with priming and socialization. From an early age, we see our close
friends and family members dreading the dentist – and we respond in kind. A
study from NCU indicates that a lot of the people
experiencing forms of dental anxiety also face generalized anxiety in their
day-to-day lives – it’s simply manifesting in a different experience.
In practice,
dental anxiety can also stem from:
- · Past negative experiences
- · A lack of control over the situation
- · Embarrassment about the care you’ve given to your teeth
- · A fear of ridicule
Fortunately,
there are many ways to help overcome this anxiety prior to and during your
visit, and rest assured at Artistic Dental, we are dedicated to minimizing your
discomfort and any fears you may have. Be it with our new massage chairs or calming
artwork, we help you maintain optimal oral health, it is always with the goal
of achieving your best smile.
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