Most people go through
life without experiencing some extent of dental phobia.
Unfortunately, there are many who have a severe case of this
condition, so much so that it impedes efficient dental care. This
condition isn't just an urban legend, nor is it just a figment of the
imagination, but rather, a scientifically-acknowledged phobia.
Like most of the
conditions classified as a 'phobia', dental fear triggers an anxiety
attack whenever the sufferer knows or thinks that a trip to the
dentist is imminent. While many sufferers tend to veer away from
thoughts of their teeth and dental operations, some cannot help but
think about it most of the time. Either way, this will affect the way
they are living their daily lives.
Research
suggests that this fear can stem from a mental disorder of some sort,
or at least be aggravated by it. Rational dental fears may stem from
first-hand experience, but some arise out of stories and perhaps
media influence. Whichever might be the cause, one thing is for sure:
the fight-or-flight response that it elicits is an inconvenience for
both the patient and the dentist.
Thankfully, there are
many options available today that can lessen the anxiety brought
about by dental procedures, dental sedation being one of them. This
technique allows the patient to relax throughout the operation, which
is of great help both to the anxious person whose teeth need
treatment and the cautious dentist trying to ensure that the
procedure goes smoothly.
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