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 difficult, 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 falling into a vicious cycle of decreasing oral health.
Fear causes the person to forego dental checkups for years. When a minor dental dilemma (like a tiny cavity) proceeds until it reaches a nerve and results in pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed therapy is an involved 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 scope of dental phobia may be as high as one in four people. Are you one of them?
At Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Centers, we want to help anxious patients successfully overcome or at least manage their anxiety so they can tolerate twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the best way to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental exam in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can speak with Doctor Buchheit about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you are afraid of going to the dentist, there is hope. At Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Centers, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to schedule a consultation today.
Contact Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Centers:
314-576-0088
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
14377 Woodlake Dr Ste 205
Chesterfield, Missouri
28036