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 plane 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 declining oral health.
Fear causes the person to skip dental checkups for years. When a minor dental dilemma (like a tiny cavity) progresses until it contacts a nerve and results in pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the required therapy is an extensive procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The service reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some men and women 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 men and women. Are you one of them?
At Just Smiles, we want to help apprehensive patients successfully overcome or at least manage their anxiety so they can withstand twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the most effective way to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental examination in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can speak with Doctor Chahine about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you dread going to the dentist, there is hope. At Just Smiles, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to book a consultation today.
Contact Just Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):
Just Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
656 N State St
Westerville, OH 43082
614-823-8668Just Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
1921 Hilliard Rome Rd
Hilliard, OH 43026
614-777-8668