Dental Anxiety Miami, FL
Solutions to dental anxiety come in many forms. When left untreated, many dental problems only get worse. We can help empower patients with dental anxiety to take the necessary action to treat their underlying conditions.
Solutions to dental anxiety are available at South Florida Dentistry in Miami and the surrounding area. Fear should never get in the way of your health. Call us at (305) 203-4097 to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety, also known as dental phobia, is a condition in which patients have a debilitating fear of the dentist. People with dental anxiety are aware that their fear is irrational, but have little to no means of managing it. They may be so panic-stricken by the prospect of seeing the dentist that they will only go when forced by extreme pain. Other common signs of dental anxiety include:
- Escalating feelings of nervousness in a dentist’s waiting room
- Feelings of intense unease at the thought of a dentist placing objects in the mouth during treatment
- Physical reactions at the thought of visiting the dentist
- Trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment
At times, dental anxiety may get severe enough to be considered pathological. Patients who find that their dental anxiety severely impedes their normal functioning may benefit from psychiatric treatment.
“People with dental anxiety are aware that their fear is irrational, but have little to no means of managing it.”
Causes of Dental Anxiety
Patients of all ages and backgrounds can have dental anxiety. A multitude of factors may contribute to someone's unease at the prospect of being in the dentist's chair, including but not limited to fear of anesthesia, fear of injections, fear of pain, feelings of embarrassment, and feelings of helplessness.
All of the above are valid reasons to be anxious. Still, they do not have to overtake a patient's dental experience. Patients should be open and honest with their dentist about their anxieties, as this is the first step to phobia management. At South Florida Dentistry, we believe communication is key to a successful dentist-patient relationship.
“Patients should be open and honest with their dentist about their anxieties, as this is the first step to phobia management.”
Coping with Dental Anxiety
Dealing with a dismissive dentist may only make the problem worse. Therefore, the first step to managing dental anxiety is finding the right dentist. Patients should also ask office staff about any recommended coping strategies and agree on a signal to let the dentist know if they need to take a break.
Mindfulness techniques can also help. Patients may want to try breathing exercises or doing body scans while in the dentist's chair. Others may benefit from distracting themselves by doing things like wearing headphones or occupying their hands.
Additionally, patients should let the dentist know if they are particularly sensitive to pain, even with local anesthesia. There is no need for patients to feel embarrassed about asking questions or being open about their fear. This is the only way to develop a truly individualized plan to attack one's dental anxiety.
“There is no need for patients to feel embarrassed about asking questions or being open about their fear.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Miami, FL
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What causes dental anxiety?
Q. How can I cope with dental anxiety?
Q. How can I ease my child's dental anxiety?
People Also Ask
Children & Dental Anxiety
It is not uncommon for parents to experience dental anxiety on their child's behalf. Parents should maintain a calm exterior as children will pick up on any anxiety displayed by their parents. Parents should refrain from telling their children that something will hurt or be painful, nor should they promise a reward for going to the dentist. Doing so will only cause children to anticipate something unpleasant and act accordingly. While parents should tell their children about any upcoming dental appointments, they should not overload their child with too much detail about what to expect. Dentists have received the training to give simple, non-threatening answers. Parents should prioritize stressing the importance of dental hygiene to their children instead.
“Parents should maintain a calm exterior … as children will pick up on any anxiety displayed by their parents.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can a dentist do to help my child's dental anxiety?
A. Dental anxiety among children is common, so many dentists anticipate having to use calming techniques. These include distraction, non-verbal communication, simple instructions, positive reinforcement, and voice control.
Q. How common is dental anxiety?
A. According to WebMD, between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental anxiety. People of all ages and backgrounds can suffer dental anxiety.
Q. Are there any other words for dental anxiety?
A. The term "dental anxiety" is most commonly interchanged with "dental phobia." However, other synonymous terms include dentophobia, dental fear, fear of dentists, and odontophobia. These words all refer to the same phenomenon.
Q. Do I really need to go to the dentist if I have dental anxiety?
A. Putting off necessary dental treatments can be detrimental to your overall health. Patients who refrain from going to the dentist due to dental anxiety are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth. These, in turn, may lead to a decrease in self-esteem and negatively affect one's overall quality of life.
Q. Will my dental anxiety get better over time?
A. Continued exposure and positive experiences with the dentist should lessen your dental anxiety over time. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may also benefit from seeking psychiatric help for your phobia at another facility along with the dental treatment tailored to your needs.
Scan here to view this page, Dental Anxiety, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2022
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2022
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2022
About our business, and website security
- South Florida Dentistry was established in 1997.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Miami-Dade County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Miami, Doral, Hialeah, Fontainebleau, Hialeah Gardens, Sweetwater, Coral Gables, Kendall, South Miami, Miami Lakes, Miami Gardens, Medley, Westchester and Brickell
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to South Florida Dentistry on mobile
Back to top of Dental Anxiety
Related Posts
Commonly Asked Questions About Clear Aligners And Attachments
Patients who want to get straighter teeth might consider using clear aligners. These provide a discreet method of getting straighter teeth. Many times, patients find them more comfortable than traditional braces. If you want to know more, keep reading about clear aligners and how attachments work with them.Clear aligners are a discreet method of straightening…
Reasons To Consider Invisalign For Straightening Your Teen's Teeth
Invisalign® is a popular orthodontic treatment involving the use of clear aligners. This is a dental alignment treatment suitable for responsible teens. Going through this age range involves awkwardness, especially when it comes to looks. Teens need support in this area. Metal braces will not be a good choice. If you want to know why…
Important Facts To Know About Dental Crowns
When dentists recommend dental crowns, they are referring to caps that they place atop damaged teeth. Crowns restore the shape of a patient's tooth, covering the tooth and protecting it from further damage when fillings are insufficient. Dentists shape crowns from porcelain, resin, metal, or ceramic.Every day, dentists use dental crowns to restore smiles. When…
What Does The Clear Aligners Procedure Involve?
You may have heard a lot about clear aligners lately. Many people are choosing this orthodontic treatment instead of traditional braces. Because this approach uses different methods, you should be familiar with what will take place during the process. Your dentist will explain how aligners work and why this approach may make sense to you.…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call South Florida Dentistry on mobile