Understanding Dental Phobia

Many people live with various fears. Fear is an instinctive feeling that arises when we perceive threats and dangers. Throughout history, our fears have helped us protect ourselves, defend when necessary, and survive. In this sense, fear, when experienced in appropriate amounts, is a natural defense mechanism.

However, phobia is a different situation. Phobias negatively affect our daily lives, and dental phobia, in particular, threatens our health.

For example, someone with a fear of flying avoids getting on planes, extending the distance they need to travel by avoiding flights. They may delay travel plans. If someone has a fear of dogs, they avoid dogs as much as possible. A fear of the dark can be partially alleviated by turning on all the lights. But when it comes to health, the situation is different. Every issue we postpone can turn into a larger problem. A cavity that could have been easily treated with a simple filling might grow and result in the loss of a tooth. Therefore, dental fear is an issue that must be addressed. If necessary, professional help should be sought.

Suggestions for Overcoming Dental Phobia

• Identify the source of the fear: It’s important to note that some fears are learned. Dental fear is one such example. If you tell a child who refuses to eat, “If you don’t eat, I’ll take you to the dentist, and they’ll give you a shot,” naturally, a frightening image of the dentist forms in the child’s mind. Your approach to your child during their growing years will affect their behavior in later years. Please be mindful of this. If you are afraid of the dentist, do not let it show. Allow the first dental visit to be just a visit.
• Share your fear with your dentist: If you have a fear of the dentist, share it with your dentist. If we can discover exactly what frightens you, we can help. If the sounds of the dental tools disturb you, we can play music to mask these noises. During the treatment, you can use pre-determined signals to let us know if you need a break. If you have concerns about hygiene, we can explain the process of sterilizing our tools to alleviate your fears. If you are worried about pain during the treatment, we can provide information about alternative anesthesia options.
• Seek information: Often, fears and anxieties stem from a lack of information. If you are unsure about what the treatment will involve and what exactly will be done, we will explain the process step by step and address your concerns. Remember, delaying treatment will not be beneficial.