People that suffer from 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 an airplane 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 getting into a vicious cycle of declining oral health.
Fear causes the person to skip dental checkups for years. When a minor dental problem (like a small cavity) proceeds until it reaches a nerve and results in pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed therapy is a major procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The service reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some individuals 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 individuals. Are you one of them?
At Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we want to help apprehensive patients successfully overcome or at least manage their fear so they can withstand twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the most effective way to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can talk to Dr. Bass about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you are terrified about going to the dentist, there is hope. At Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to request a consultation today.
Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:
215-368-1424
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446