People that are plagued with dental phobia (Dentophobia) may take comfort in the fact that it is a fairly common diagnosable mental condition. At least they know they are not alone and that the medical community takes it seriously.
Phobias like Pteromerhanophobia: (the fear of flying) and Acrophobibia (the fear of heights) can be problematic, but a person can live a perfectly healthy life without getting on a jet or riding an elevator to the top of the Chrysler Building.
A person who suffers from dental phobia or dental anxiety is at risk of entering a vicious cycle of declining oral health.
Fear causes the person to skip dental checkups for years. When a minor dental problem (like a tiny cavity) proceeds until it contacts a nerve and results in pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed therapy is an involved procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The treatment reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some people end up losing teeth at a relatively young age.
Experts believe that the scope of dental phobia may be as high as one in four people. Are you one of them?
At Almeida & Bell Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry, we want to help nervous patients successfully overcome or at least manage their anxiety so they can withstand twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the only method to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can speak with Drs. Almeida about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you dread going to the dentist, there is hope. At Almeida & Bell Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to request a consultation today.
Contact Almeida & Bell Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry:
303-858-9000
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Almeida & Bell Dental – Lone Tree
8683 E Lincoln Ave Ste 200
Lone Tree, Colorado
80124
Almeida & Bell Dental – Denver
9126 57th Ave.
Denver, Colorado
80238
