Why Adults Avoid the Dentist

As kids we think we’ll only be scared of the dentist until we’re grown, but for a lot of adults, that’s just not true. It’s been shown that up to 40 million adults skip the dentist each year due to fear alone. If you’re someone with dental phobia, here’s how Stonebrook Family Dental can help. 

Why Adults Avoid the Dentist 

The main reason adults avoid the dentist is due to a condition called dental phobia. Dental phobia is a fear that makes many adults quit going to the dentist, mainly for the worry of suffering from pain or discomfort. However, there could be other reasons that people choose to skip their dentist. Common reasons adults skip their dental visits could be due to:

Past experiences 

When you’re young, your parents will typically make sure that you make it to the dentist twice a year. As you become a teen, you might need orthodontic care in addition to your routine cleanings. Once you’re a young adult, many of us need our wisdom teeth removed. With all of these dentist appointments, people might have had a negative experience that now influences their dental care. If you’ve had a bad experience with a dentist in previous years, we encourage you to come by and talk with Dr. Varley about your previous experiences. Dr. Varley will listen to your concerns and talk with you about how he can best help you feel at ease here at Stonebrook Family Dental. 

Embarrassment 

If it’s been a while since your last trip to have a cleaning, you might be putting off going to the dentist because you’re embarrassed of what the status of your mouth is like. However, it’s important to note that dentists like Dr. Varley have seen it all. You don’t have to be embarrassed by what’s going on within your mouth, just come in to get the help you need. 

Fear of pain 

Another common reason people fear dentist visits is the fear of pain. However, many common dental procedures are relatively pain-free. While there might be minor discomfort, many people can resume their normal daily activities after a trip to see Dr. Varley. Most of the time, people overthink the pain that might be felt at the dentist and can get stressed about their upcoming visit. Not only does this make the problem bigger than it is, but it also can prevent you from receiving necessary work done that could prevent further, much more painful problems in the future. 

Nervousness 

It is normal to feel slightly nervous before receiving a treatment that you’ve never had before. However, that nervousness shouldn’t be so debilitating that it prevents you from coming in for the treatment at all. If you get nervous at your visit, we have plenty of options that can help keep you calm. One of those options? Sedation dentistry. We are committed to helping you receive the treatment you need in a way that makes you feel comfortable. If you’re anxious, sedation methods like laughing gas or oral conscious sedation could make your visit less intimidating. 

Signs You Have Dental Anxiety

The most common sign of dental anxiety is a missed appointment or constantly rescheduling. However, that’s not the only sign that a person has dental anxiety. Patients who experience a fear of the dentist can also show these signs of their fear and nervousness: 

• Sweating
• Racing heartbeat
• Low blood pressure and possible fainting
• Visible distress, crying or signs of panic
• Withdrawal, or using humor or aggression to mask anxiety 

How to Overcome Dental Phobia 

While you might be afraid or have a dental phobia, there are relaxation and other techniques that you can incorporate before your next visit to calm down. Psychology Today offers these tips if you’re nervous about:

• The pain: Ask for sedation dentistry. For patients that have an unrelenting fear about the dentist, this is usually what works best. This will calm you down and prevent you from feeling any pain during your treatment. 
• Past experiences: If a previous appointment has scarred you, don’t let that prejudice you against future visits. Tell your dental staff about your past experience so they know what didn’t sit well with you and how they can help you move forward. 
• Feeling out of control: Let the dentist know that you feel helpless and come up with a plan if you get overwhelmed during the procedure. Many patients will raise a hand when they need a break during their cleaning or treatment. 
• Embarrassment: Dental professionals have seen it all, and the state of your mouth won’t phase Dr. Varley. Don’t continue to put off dental work because you’re embarrassed. 
• The cost: Preventative dentistry means that you go before there’s a problem. This can help prevent costly treatments in the long run by catching problems early on. If you’re concerned about the cost, talking with the office about payment options can typically help settling your fears. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Varley

Our goal here at Stonebrook Family Dental is to prove to you and all of our patients that a modern office doesn’t have to be cold and clinical. Our office is designed around comfort and convenience, with every little detail chosen to enhance your time with us. We offer the following to you during your appointments:

• TV and movies
• WiFi
• Complimentary refreshments
• Say-day emergency care 
• Kid-friendly office
• A clean & safe environment

Before your visit, we disinfect every piece of equipment in our office. Using state-of-the-art sterilization technology, we take care of our practice so you can rest assured you are in a safe and clean environment. Call today for your next appointment: (303)-872-7907.