What if you’re scared of dentist but need treatment? Believe it or not, most folks who walk through our doors are going through this, too.
In general, a significant number of people experience stress when visiting healthcare professionals, including their own therapist. This fear is frequently rooted in multiple causes, including the anxiety of being diagnosed with a serious condition or the common psychological barrier of shame. We want you to know—you’re not the only one going through this. Approximately 20% of individuals report fear of dental visits, and about 5% are diagnosed with odontophobia.
But we’re here to reassure you: there’s nothing wrong, and there’s absolutely nothing to fear or be ashamed of. At Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, our team has some great advice on stress relief and insights into why this fear shows up and how to work through it.
Key Takeaways
- To begin, we must explore a key question: why are people scared of the dentist? We’ve compiled both common and unexpected sources of this anxiety.
- We’ll show you how to get past your fear of dentists with tips we give our patients that really work.
- You’ll get a chance to explore some popular relaxation techniques that might just give you the courage to at least schedule a consultation with your doctor.
I’m Scared Of Dentist But Need Treatment
Are you scared of dentist but need treatment? Don’t think there’s something wrong with you. Fear of doctors often starts in childhood or stems from a bad experience, such as pain, a cold doctor, or just that awful feeling of being helpless. For some people, it’s actually general anxiety at play, and it comes out as shame when they think about showing their dental issues. Some of our clients put off seeing a dentist even with early tooth decay, because they were scared of someone seeing their mouth. Just keep in mind: doctors don’t judge—they treat.
What To Do If You’re Scared To Go To The Dentist Because Of Bad Teeth
Most people hit up the dentist when something’s wrong. So being scared to go to the dentist because of bad teeth doesn’t really make sense.
The belief that most people have ideal dental health while your own condition is exceptionally poor is not based on facts. These are medical disorders, not reasons for shame. They often result from factors such as nutrition, stress, genetics, and lifestyle—not necessarily poor hygiene.
Everyone deals with health issues, and teeth are included. Over a lifetime, it’s totally normal for dental problems to show up, especially as we get older. For example, we suggest our VitaSmile Savannah service to people dealing with infections, chipped or decayed teeth, bite issues, and more.
It helps heal the teeth and bring back their aesthetic appearance. The procedure is effective for patients experiencing self-consciousness and ongoing concern about their look.
What Helps When You’re Embarrassed To Go To Dentist
At Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, our specialists sometimes get creative and offer gentle tips to clients who are embarrassed to go to dentist.
One case involved a bride-to-be patient preparing for her wedding who sought our Wedding Smile Makeover; however, she experienced extreme anxiety, including panic attacks, while standing outside the treatment room. What helped her were the fear management techniques:
- We gave her a full walkthrough of every step and treatment so she’d feel more prepared and less scared.
- We agreed on stop signals so she could raise her hand whenever her anxiety got too intense.
- We guided the patient through a controlled breathing exercise (inhale for four counts, exhale for six). It really helped her body switch from panic mode to a calmer state.
- We broke the whole procedure into several stages so she could ease into it and get more comfortable each time.
Of course, it’s best to choose different coping strategies for each patient. Everyone’s got their own reasons for skipping the dentist, so the coping tricks should match that.
How To Get Over Fear Of Going To The Dentist When You Need Implants
Patients get the most nervous when they hear dental implants. It’s like everyone instantly imagines pain and horror—but honestly, that’s pure myth. Modern dental correction strategies emphasize gentle care, integrating pharmacological support and precision-based technologies. Most dentists now use sedation dentistry, as it’s super safe and makes it possible to get through all the necessary procedures without panic.
If you’re stressing about how to get over fear of going to the dentist when a major procedure like implants is coming up? Just tell your dentist you’re scared. A good provider will always offer support and find a way to help you.
Conclusion
Honestly, if you search online, you’ll find a bunch of solid advice on how to relax at the dentist. You can find a method that works for you, or simply ask your doctor directly for help. Above all, you need to find the right provider with clear communication and one that is well-reviewed by others.
Contact Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, where we understand the proper approach of a dentist for people with anxiety. For those seeking high-quality and careful cosmetic dentistry Savannah, our specialists are available to assist.
