We still have a lot to learn about fear, but certain things we do know. Dental fear is typically the result of vicarious learning.
For example, even if you’ve never had a tooth removed, maybe you’ve heard some pretty scary stuff about extractions. That can lead anyone to become nervous if they find out they need to get a tooth removed. That’s vicarious learning. Vicarious wrong learning, too, since having a tooth out these days is virtually painless.
Negative experiences also have a lot to do with fear. A really bad experience in an airplane can make you anxious about flying. Two trips that don’t go as planned can lead you to not want to travel by plane ever again.
Another thing we know about fear is that there are varying degrees of it, from mild apprehension to full on panic.
The difference between fear and phobia is also a matter of degree. If someone’s afraid of dental treatment, they’ll avoid it, but sooner or later they will need to make an appointment. Dental phobia is much more likely to occur in people who have had several traumatic dental or medical treatments. Our goal is to provide empathetic, thoughtful care that will help put you at ease whether you have dental fear or not.
Tips for Fighting Fear!
Try one or more of these self-help techniques:
- Talk with us about your fear; that’s the first step in overcoming it.
- Avoid caffeine—coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, chocolate, and sugar—for six hours prior to your visit as it can make one jittery.
- Establish a signal, like raising you hand for a pause in treatment if you need one.
- Keep breathing normally. Don’t hold your breath: lack of oxygen can increase anxiety.
Call our Salinas clinic at (831) 424-0303 or our San Jose clinic at (408) 578-6700 today so our caring team can help put any dental worries at ease.
