Many patients avoid appropriate oral health care because they have anxiety or nervousness about visiting the dentist. Some even deal with dental phobias that require sedation dentistry in Nashville, TN. At Nashville Periodontal Group, we are proud to offer this valuable option to our patients that deal with intense fear about visiting the periodontitis.

Studies show that anywhere from 9-15 percent of the population in the United States stays away from dental visits because of a phobia or anxiety. This means that 30-40 million people go without dental care because they have some type of fear associated with it.

What Causes Dental Phobia or Anxiety?

Patients develop anxiety and phobia about visiting a dental health professional for a variety of reasons.

·         Loss of control or feelings of helplessness – Patients often fear the lack of control that may exist during a dental appointment.

·         Pain – Six percent of people that hadn’t seen a dentist for 12 months reported that pain was a big part of the reason for their anxiety.

·         Past experience – Anytime a visit involves discomfort or pain, the patient is more likely to feel nervous at the next appointment.

·         Embarrassment – Some avoid a visit to the dentist or periodontist because they feel embarrassed about having a stranger look inside their mouths, as it is often considered a very personal part of the body, and exams and treatment require that others be up close and personal.

In order to combat dental phobias and anxiety, sedation dentistry is now offered. Sedation can come in the form of oral sedation, local anesthetic and intravenous conscious sedation. Which option is right for you depends on the treatment and your personal preferences.

Contact Us Today

If you have been avoiding a visit to the periodontist because of a phobia or anxiety, the Nashville Periodontal Group has options that make treatment a pleasant experience. Our goal is to guarantee that every patient gets quality care despite any negative past experiences. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment to learn more.