People that experience 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 747 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 falling into a vicious cycle of worsening oral health.
Fear causes the person to skip dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a small cavity) proceeds until it taps a nerve and creates pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed remedy is a major procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The treatment reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some people 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 individuals. Are you one of them?
At Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS, we want to help uneasy patients successfully overcome or at least manage their fear so they can withstand twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the best way to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental examination in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can talk to Dr. Behner about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you are terrified about going to the dentist, there is hope. At Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to book a consultation today.
Contact Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS:
317-842-2337
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9744 Lantern Rd
Fishers, Indiana
46037
