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Dental Anxiety

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Dental Anxiety

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Missing TeethTooth FillingsChipped or Cracked TeethTooth PainBleeding GumsTeeth Grinding (Bruxism)Dental Anxiety

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension associated with visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures. Many people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. It’s not uncommon to feel nervous or uneasy about dental treatments, but for some, this anxiety can prevent them from getting the care they need.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of dental anxiety might include:

Nervousness or Worry: Feeling anxious before or during dental appointments.

Physical Symptoms: Sweating, shaking, or a rapid heartbeat when thinking about dental visits.

Avoidance: Delaying or avoiding dental appointments due to fear.

Panic Attacks: Severe anxiety that may include feelings of dread or panic during dental procedures.

How can dental anxiety impact my dental health?

Dental anxiety can have significant effects on both oral and overall health, such as:

  • Delayed Care: Avoiding dental visits can lead to untreated dental issues, which may worsen over time.

  • Increased Oral Health Problems: Untreated decay, gum disease, or other issues can lead to more severe problems.

  • Decreased Quality of Life: Poor oral health can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Why you may experience dental anxiety

  • Fear of pain: This is one of the most common reasons people avoid the dentist. Many patients associate dental treatments with pain, often due to past experiences. However, modern dentistry has come a long way, and most procedures are now much less painful than they used to be.
  • Loss of control: Some people feel uncomfortable being in a situation where they cannot see what’s happening or feel they don’t have control over their surroundings. Lying back in the dental chair can heighten this feeling.

  • Negative past experiences: A bad experience with a dentist in the past can make someone anxious about future appointments.

  • Fear of needles: For some, the sight of a needle or the thought of an injection is enough to trigger anxiety. This can be particularly problematic for those who need numbing for procedures like fillings or extractions.

We're here to help you!

We believe in open communication. If you feel anxious about any part of your visit, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with us. We take the time to explain each step of your treatment so that you know what to expect.

If you’re dealing with dental anxiety, you don’t have to avoid the care you need. At Sleep Dentistry Melbourne, we specialise in creating a comfortable and relaxing experience for all our patients. Whether you’re coming in for a routine check up or a more complex procedure, we offer sedation options to ensure your visit is stress-free.

Contact us at 1300 255 600 or send us a message to book an appointment with our team.

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DISCLAIMER: The procedures described in this website may not be suitable for all patients. Any before and after pictures are examples only and should not be relied upon because results do vary. References as to the impact of treatment on the quality of life or timeframes given for any particular treatment are also examples only and may not represent what is possible or advocated for a patient's individual circumstances, concerns or desires. A full assesment by one of our qualified dentists is required before any recommendations can be provided. All our dentists are registered as such with AHPRA. Every surgical or dental procedure carries risks. Before and after pictures may an accurate comparison due to differences in composition, different hair and the presence of make-up and lipstick.