Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad…Dentist?

sleep dentistry Jefferson City

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 difficult, 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 worsening oral health.

Fear causes the person to forego dental checkups for years. When a minor dental issue (like a small cavity) advances until it taps a nerve and leads to pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.

At this point, the needed remedy is an extensive procedure (possibly an extraction followed by a dental implant). The procedure reinforces the dental phobia and, once again, the patient stays away from the dentist’s office. That’s how some men and women end up losing teeth at a relatively young age.

Experts believe that the frequency of dental phobia may be as high as one in four people. Are you one of them?

At Jefferson City Dental Care, we want to help anxious patients successfully overcome or at least manage their anxiety so they can tolerate 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. Johnson 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 Jefferson City Dental Care, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to request a consultation today.

Contact Jefferson City Dental Care:

573-634-2400

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3551 Amazonas Dr
Jefferson City, Missouri
65109