Dental Fear in Melbourne
Dentists for Patients With Fear & Anxiety | Overcome Dental Phobia
Does the thought of going to the dentist send cold shivers down your spine? Do you avoid dental treatment until the last possible moment?
At The Point Dental, you no longer have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed about yourself. As a dedicated centre for people with dental anxiety, we have seen thousands of fearful patients just like you! We can help address dental fear in children and adults.
See Dr Wilfred Koon on Seven Network current affairs program Today Tonight, talking about dental fear.
“We don’t just fix your teeth. We help you overcome your fear. This is our life, our passion, our purpose”
What is dental fear?
In simple terms, dental fear is the fear of going to the dentist. Most people can live with having some anxiety about visiting the dentist. However for some, the mere thought of a dental visit is so terrifying that they will do just about anything to avoid a dental appointment.
Is my dental fear irrational?
Being fearful is a normal experience that everyone in the world has. From snakes to spiders to heights, different people have different things they fear.
There is no fear that is any smaller, or any bigger, than another fear.
Fear is just a built-in unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something untoward will happen. Quite often, it is uncontrollable no matter how hard we try.
The sad reality is that some people will tease or make fun of others for having a fear that they cannot understand or think is silly or ridiculous. We should always encourage and support each other in conquering our fears.
Dental fear or phobia is the same. For people who don’t understand it, it seems irrational. For us, we know it’s real and it’s normal. It’s okay to be fearful.
Read more about Dr Wilfred Koon’s journey as a dental fear patient himself on the media.
What are the common reasons for dental fear?
Everyone’s dental fear and anxiety are different and often caused by past traumatic dental experiences.
The most common reasons are
- Fear of dental pain
- Fear of specific dental instruments like a needle
- Fear of dental numbing and other procedures
Dental fear can also be related to something deeper emotionally, such as
- fear of being judged by the dentist
- fear of drowning or gagging
- fear of not being in control
- fear of the cost
- fear of being disappointed with the dental work.
Because of this, dental fear is quite a complex emotion and is often misunderstood by many people, even dentists themselves.
What are the negative consequences of dental fear?
Have a look at Carl’s video. He had severe dental fear, and as a result, he ignored dental treatment for many years. It affected not only his confidence and his smile but also his health. We were grateful to be able to give him the smile he deserved.
People with dental fear often delay or avoid seeking dental care. Unfortunately, delaying dental treatment can allow a minor problem that is easily fixed to develop into a much bigger and more complex issue, such as an infection or tooth loss.
Emotionally, people with discoloured or damaged teeth can become more self-conscious. They may smile less or feel embarrassed about how their teeth look. An unwillingness to smile can negatively impact both their social and professional lives.
Poor oral health can also have a knock-on effect on a person’s general health. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the body through infected gums or teeth, increasing the risk of suffering certain medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
How The Point Dental helps patients overcome the fear of dental work
We care & we listen
We are passionate about helping dental fear patients. We never rush, and we always take the time to listen to your concerns. We never judge our patients, and we always aim to exceed your expectations. We want to treat you like how we would like to be treated.
You’re always in control
Walking into the clinic is a small step for many people but a tremendous leap for dental fear patients. You have made the very first step in controlling your fear, and we want you to continue to be in control of your journey with us. We work with you to ensure your treatment proceeds at a pace you are comfortable with.
We explain your options
We understand everyone has different needs, and no two smiles are the same. We will always take our time to explain all your options, making sure you understand all the risks and benefits of your treatment to make an informed decision. We want you to decide what is best for yourself.
We are virtually pain-free
We genuinely believe that painful dental experience is the past, and the future is pain-free dentistry. We offer various sedative options, including sleep dentistry, if you wish to sleep through your treatment. We cater for even the most fearful patients. If you hate the dentist, The Point Dental is definitely for you.
Relaxing environment
Your comfort is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring your visit is as relaxing as possible. Our friendly staff, soothing music and comfortable, clean clinic environment help create a calm experience for fearful patients. Our entire team is highly trained clinically and in dealing with anxious patients.
We keep costs realistic & offer payment options
We are upfront with our prices with no hidden surprises. Our fees are competitive to allow us to provide the quality and service that you expect from us. We offer interest-free payment plans and can help you with the early release of your superannuation. We want to give you the freedom to get the treatment you need.
How Do We Carry Out Dental Treatment On Patients With Fear Of Dental Treatment?
We understand that no one likes pain, and dental treatment may be difficult for some people to cope with.
At The Point Dental, we have various techniques to keep you relaxed and comfortable during your treatment. The method will depend on your fear level, the type of procedure, and the length of the procedure. We support every patient in how to overcome the fear of dental injections and other procedures. If your child also experiences dental fear, we can help. Our treatments for dental fear and anxiety cater to pediatric patients as well as adults.
With our unique on-site General Anaesthetic Facility, we can even put you to sleep safely, which was previously only possible in the hospital. We can also help with the fear of dental impressions.
Imagine going to sleep and waking up with a new set of beautiful teeth. No, you are not dreaming! To find out more, visit our Sleep Dentistry page.
If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, contact us at The Point Dental today. We can help you!
For more information about how to get over dental injection fear, or to book an appointment with our dentists, call us now at 03 8360 9998. We are here to help!