Myths and Facts About Pain to Relieve Your Dental Anxiety

If you experience dental anxiety before and during your appointments, you are not alone. Children and adults alike can struggle to maintain their composure at the dentist’s office. Often, worries about pain can scare patients or even cause panic attacks. The good news is that many things people fear are myths. Understand what is fact and what is fiction regarding pain with dental care.

Reasons people have dental anxiety

A visit to the dentist’s office can be different for everyone. While many people handle discomfort well, other patients have a difficult time. For some people, bad experiences can sour future visits. Other people may have aversions to some of the sounds at the dentist’s office. These may include the drill or the sound of the dental tools removing buildup on the teeth. Other anxieties may persist because of false information the patient has received from other people or sources.

Myth 1: dental techniques are designed to cause pain

Some people may have seen pictures of primitive dental instruments. Others may have viewed images of dentists performing grueling surgeries on patients. The truth is that dentistry has improved in recent years. Today, dentists can perform minimally invasive procedures to relieve pain and other conditions. The use of lasers can cut down on the amount of pain a person feels during a treatment. Dentists have the training and knowledge to minimize these feelings in patients.

Myth 2: root canals are excruciating

For decades, a prevailing myth has scared people about root canals. This procedure causes more dental anxiety than perhaps any other process. However, people report that little to no pain accompanies root canals. The dentist will numb the patient with a local anesthetic. Also, the drilling and invasive techniques are localized.

Myth 3: the procedures are long

Some patients may feel dental anxiety not just because procedures are painful but because they last hours. In fact, most processes take an hour or less, depending on the severity of the issue. Even more complex treatments and restorative care such as getting dental crowns do not take as long as they used to. Same-day crowns are available. With these, the patient can be in and out of the office in 60 minutes.

Myth 4: pain is a sign of weakness

In dentistry and other settings in life, some individuals think to feel pain means they are inferior. To some degree, everyone will experience pain. Occasionally, pain comes with dental procedures. This does not mean the person should have dental anxiety and avoid coming. People can have peace of mind to know that the dentist will do everything possible to mitigate these feelings.

Do not let these myths stop you

Regular dental exams are critical to your oral health and overall well-being. Also, putting off treatment can lead to severe conditions. If you have dental anxiety, consider these myths and the truth behind dental care and pain. Talk to your dentist today about your concerns. You can have a positive experience at your next appointment.

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