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 challenging, 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 worsening oral health.
Fear causes the person to forego dental checkups for years. When a minor dental dilemma (like a small cavity) advances until it reaches a nerve and creates pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed treatment 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 scope of dental phobia may be as high as one in four people. Are you one of them?
At Alaska Premier Dental Group, we want to help apprehensive patients successfully overcome or at least manage their apprehension so they can endure twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the best way to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental examination in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can meet with dentist Kruchoski about the many options available including behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and conscious sedation (sleep dentistry).
If you are afraid of going to the dentist, there is hope. At Alaska Premier Dental Group, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to schedule a consultation today.
Contact Alaska Premier Dental Group:
6611 DeBarr Rd, Ste 100 and 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
Phone: 907-337-0404865 N Seward Meridian Parkway, Suite #201
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Phone: 907-373-5930
