Getting anxious is a common feeling to have before making a visit to the dentist, however it becomes more of an issue when fear or anxiety stands in the way of getting necessary treatment. Not getting the correct treatment due to anxiety can leave people suffering from toothache, dental discomfort or dissatisfaction with their teeth.
But why are some people so nervous to visit their dentist? We’ve taken a look at some of the reasons that may stand in the way to your brightest smile.
Fear of pain at the dentist
The number one cause of dental-phobia tends to be the fear of potential pain. This could be due to a painful experience in the past that has etched itself onto the memory, or it could be due to the anticipation of future discomfort. Whether you’ve had a particularly traumatic experience at the dentist previously, or you’re simply overwhelmed by the procedure that you require, simply speaking to your dentist about those concerns can help to eliminate some of the fear.
Scared parents passing fears to their children
We learn quickly from people around us. If a parent has anxiety during a visit to the dentist, their children are more likely to pick up the same concerns and fears. Making sure your that child visits the dentist regularly will ensure that they should have many positive experiences, that should counteract their bubbling concern.
Concern over costly dental procedures
The worry that they may require an expensive dental procedure is another major factor that prevents a lot of people from getting regular dental check-ups. In truth, however, if you visit your dentist regularly you will be less susceptible to troublesome tooth conditions that may require more expensive work. Simple additions to your daily routine; such as flossing and using mouthwash, can also help to prevent dental problems arising.
Legal advice if your dentist has let you down
Unfortunately, in some situations dental anxiety can stem from a traumatic visit that resulted in ongoing issues. Whilst the majority of dentists carry out an excellent job when dealing with dental issues, avoidable incidents can happen if your dentist fails to take the proper care.
If you believe that your dentist may have contributed to oral health issues after having visited them, you may be entitled to compensation. At Dental Law Partnership, our expert Dental Negligence Claims Team are on hand to help you at every step of the way; call us today on 0808 278 8202 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you.