With high-powered tools and sharp objects designed to poke and prod around the mouth, it is easy to see why some people get anxious about visiting the dentist. The truth of the matter is that these fears and feelings of anxiety are misplaced; dentists take every precaution to ensure that teeth are healthy and can thrive in an oral environment free of disease and infection. In many cases, dental anxiety is caused by a negative experience with dentists, oftentimes in childhood.

For those struggling with the fear of dentists, it is possible to overcome dental phobia or make progress toward overcoming this fear. The path to success will be different from one person to the next, and there are many options to help along the way. With the proper research, it is possible to find the right person and the right practice to overcome dental phobia. There are many people who used to have a debilitating dental phobia, but after they found a professional dentist that they could trust, they built their confidence levels and overcame this burden. Early in this process, it may be difficult to imagine, but remember, there is always a way to overcome anxiety, regardless of its cause or association. The best way to overcome dentophobia is to communicate these worries and anxieties with a trusted dentist, who can help explain the procedures and reassure the patient that there is absolutely no reason to worry at all.

According to several studies, between 9 and 20 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental anxiety or phobia. This means that nearly one in every five people living in the United States may not be going to their dental appointments due to this form of anxiety. This makes it an incredibly prevalent condition, which may contribute to the development of dental diseases, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.

Phobia of dentists has several names, including dental phobia, dentophobia, and odontophobia. Phobia means an extreme or irrational fear or dislike of a certain thing, group or idea, so coupled with ‘dento-‘ or ‘odonto-,’ this refers to an extreme fear or anxiety of the dentist or related practices. While some people may find this to be imprudent, it is a real fear that prevents people from getting the oral healthcare they need to have a healthy smile. Like all fears and phobias, it is possible to overcome dentophobia, as long as there is a genuine desire to do so.

At Ideal Endodontics, we care about your oral health. We understand that some people have fears associated with dental visits or dentists in general and dedicate our practice to being as comfortable, relaxed, and worry-free as possible. Regardless of your worry, we are here to make your dental appointments as smooth and pleasant as possible. We have two locations: one in Washington, DC, and one in Woodbridge, VA. Residents of Washington can call (202) 804-3181 to book an appointment or visit our clinic located at 1145 19th Street NW, Suite 314, Washington, DC 20036. Residents of Woodbridge can contact us to book an appointment or visit our clinic at 3102 Golansky Blvd, Suite 101, Woodbridge, VA 22192. We serve patients from Washington DC, Woodbridge VA, Arlington VA, Lorton VA, Manassas VA, Springfield VA, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD. We look forward to serving you!