Many people with aversions to seeking treatment from dental professionals attend their appointments anyway. But other folks’ distastes are so significant that they don’t go at all. When people never or hardly ever get dental care, they’re harming their teeth and overall oral health. This evasion can result in a multitude of conditions: cavities, plaque, tartar, loose teeth, gum disease and lost teeth.

The office of Westchester Center for Periodontal & Implant Excellence is devoted to the care and comfort of every patient. We’re highly experienced at putting concerned patients at ease. Our expert and highly knowledgeable professionals—from the receptionist to the dental staff—are friendly and cheerful. Our first mission is to comfort our clients so they can relax. 

The reasons behind a dental phobia can be deep and tough to identify. That’s where psychology comes in. Just knowing why you’re afraid can be the first step to conquering it. Can you identify with these possible causes?

The sensation of being confined and not in control: It can be very disconcerting to be in a chair with someone hovering over you. And having instruments and a drill in your mouth doesn’t help either. 

Embarrassment: If it’s been quite a while—years? decades?—since the last time an individual visited a periodontist or other oral healthcare provider, his (or her) teeth may be in such poor condition that he’s ashamed of them.

Bad memories: Those who were traumatized or negatively affected by previous dental visits might shy away from future dental treatment. The trauma could involve one or more events, such as pain, inferior care or a staff member with an unfriendly demeanor. 

Low tolerance for pain: Yes, there can be some minor physical discomfort involved in a dental visit, but every treatment can be numbed by Novocain and with, if needed, oral or intravenous sedation.

Overcoming your fear of dental treatment is a huge achievement, and carrying through with an appointment is a wonderful and life-changing breakthrough. Westchester Center for Periodontal & Implant Excellence stays at the forefront of advances in care and offers effective solutions. For more information about our practice and how we can help you, please call our office today. You’ll be glad (and relieved!) that you did!

By Westchester Center for Periodontal & Implant Excellence

April 26, 2022