People that are plagued with dental phobia (Dentophobia) may take comfort in the fact that it is a fairly common 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 problematic, 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 getting into a vicious cycle of declining oral health.
Fear causes the person to skip dental checkups for years. When a minor dental trouble (like a tiny cavity) proceeds until it taps a nerve and leads to pain, the patient is forced to visit the dentist.
At this point, the needed treatment is a major 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 individuals 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 individuals. Are you one of them?
At Marcos Ortega DDS, we want to help nervous patients successfully overcome or at least manage their trepidation so they can endure twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Preventive dentistry is the only method to protect teeth and gums.
If you haven’t had a dental evaluation in a while, please schedule a consultation. You can talk to Dr. Ortega 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 Marcos Ortega DDS, we have successfully treated many patients just like you. We invite you to book a consultation today.
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-295-4545
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103