Dental Anxiety vs. Dental Phobia: Defining the Difference

Contrary to what most people think, dental anxiety and dental phobia are not the same. While both are incredibly common, they are also extremely different. Weybridge Orthodontics, a dental practice of choice for many in South East England, breaks down the two terms and draws the line between common public error.

Dental Anxiety

Weybridge OrthodonticsDental anxiety refers to the feeling of uneasiness people sometimes feel when it is time for their appointment. Most people can live with the feeling of anxiety, but some people experience extreme unease coupled with exaggerated or unfounded worries and fears.

The anxiety felt during a visit could be attributed to the feeling of helplessness and control that is prevalent in most clinics. Because you do nothing but sit in the dental chair and the dentist has control over what goes on, it is completely understandable to feel this way, most especially if it’s your first time.

Embarrassment is also a key factor for those who feel anxious or uneasy during their visit. People may feel ashamed or self-conscious about how their teeth or mouth looks on the inside. It could also be due to negative past experiences during previous dental procedures.

Dental Phobia

Dental phobia, on the other hand, is more than a slight feeling of uneasiness or embarrassment. For people with such a phobia, visits to the dentist are so terrifying that they will go through extreme means just to get away from any appointment.

Phobia refers to an intense and irrational fear toward an activity, a person, an object or a situation. People with dental phobia put off the imperative dental appointments for years, and some even put up with gum infections, pain, or even unsightly teeth.

Avoiding the dentist not only exposes you to higher risks of dental problems, it can also take a toll on your self-esteem and self-perception. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this fear, Weybridge Orthodontics has a special scheme for nervous patients.

Our team of Orthodontists, therapists, treatment coordinators and support staff are all trained to understand the patient’s fears and to work with them. Every effort has been made to make the practice a stress free environment to put all patients at ease.

Book an appointment today for a sympathetic approach to treatment unlike any other.