Dental phobia is a terrible, debilitating condition that currently affects between 30 million and 40 million Americans.   It is much more than simple dental fear or dental anxiety.  Like any phobia, it is a crippling condition that affects a person’s ability to make decisions and take action. 

It is a fear of the dentist that is so intense that it operates on a deep, subconscious instinctive level.  More than simple nervousness or procrastination, it triggers an animal flight response in the instinctive mind.  Even if a person is suffering from severe Periodontitis or the impending loss of teeth, he or she will avoid going to the dentist at all

People with dental phobia often fail to realize just how much suffering the condition causes them to experience.  They often rationalize away any need to go to the dentist.  Many use the excuse of not having enough time or money.  Others simply minimize the severity of their dental problems and put treatment out of their minds. 

Obviously, these behaviors are not actions that people who suffer from this condition consciously choose.  They are unconscious reactions to any number of psychological causes and triggers.  People often develop an extreme fear of dentists early in childhood due.  They remember painful procedures or a general lack of bedside manner from a dentist.

Other people have a strong need to feel in control.  When they lie back in a dental chair, they feel helpless and out of control because they cannot move or see what is being done to them.  For many of these people, this is terrifying. 

Another source of dental phobia may be rooted in perceptions and beliefs.  Some individuals have become convinced that medicine in general these days is cold, impersonal, and distant.  It appears that a good many of these beliefs have resulted from misperceiving the latex gloves, shields, and masks that dentists wear to protect themselves while treating patients.

Some sources claim that a phobia is present if one feels nervousness about dentists in general; apprehensiveness about dental tools and procedures, and a strong annoyance in oneself anytime an appointment or routine dental checkup is required.  

Surprisingly, none of these emotional states are signs of the true condition.  True phobia is a terror so great that a person will avoid going to the dentist at ANY cost---even if it means gum disease, tooth loss, and bone recession.    

Such avoidance can do far more than damage teeth.  Losing teeth causes bone loss, and gum disease can get into the bloodstream and affect organs throughout the entire body, including the heart and lungs. 

However, there is hope for people with dental phobia.  As powerful a grip as it has on so many people, the grip can be broken with the right information and reassurance from a trained, professional dentist with genuine warmth and empathy. 

If you suspect that you might be suffering from dental phobia, please email us and we will respond to you personally.  We aim to be both a provider of superior dental treatment as well as a genuine source of warmth and empathy that our community can turn to for reliable and appropriate support.

Cosmetic implant dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

Make an appointment with the dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group. Give us a call toll free at 1. 888.790.0309, or or feel free to Ask the Dentist.