Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
      • Dr. Scott Fitts
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour the Office
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings and Exams
    • Family Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Tooth Bonding
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Tooth Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental Crowns and Bridges
      • Dental Implants
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
      • Dental Sedation
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Oral Surgery
      • Tooth Removal/Extractions
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Specials and Promotions
    • Payment Options
    • I Need a New Family Dentist
    • I’m In Pain or Have Discomfort
    • I’m Having a Hard Time Chewing
  • Blog
  • Search
  • Contact Us
MENU
Contact Us
Call Today256-229-3416 Request an Appointment
15059 E Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 35749
Call Today256-229-3416 Request an Appointment
15059 E Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 35749
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
      • Dr. Scott Fitts
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour the Office
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings and Exams
    • Family Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Tooth Bonding
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Tooth Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental Crowns and Bridges
      • Dental Implants
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
      • Dental Sedation
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Oral Surgery
      • Tooth Removal/Extractions
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Specials and Promotions
    • Payment Options
    • I Need a New Family Dentist
    • I’m In Pain or Have Discomfort
    • I’m Having a Hard Time Chewing
  • Blog
  • Search
Home > Blog > Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Keep You Away

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Keep You Away

January 1, 2020

If you fear going to the dentist, you are far from alone. Many people experience some level of apprehension about the dental chair, but it’s estimated that somewhere between 9% and 20% of Americans suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia so severe, it keeps them away from the dentist altogether — until, of course, they are driven there by pain or some other necessity. 

Severe dental anxiety or phobia can be self-perpetuating because, of course, the longer you go without seeing a dentist, the more likely you are to have severe dental problems — the kind that are more invasive to treat and will cause you to spend more uncomfortable hours at our office. 

Unsurprisingly, people with a dental phobia are at increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss. They may have damaged or discolored teeth that make them self-conscious and diminish self-esteem. 

Remember: the best way to spend the least amount of time at the dental office and avoid more invasive procedures is to stick with a schedule of regular preventive care. 

At East Limestone Family Dental of Athens, AL, we treat many patients with dental anxiety and even dental phobias. We take your fears seriously and work with you to make you as comfortable as possible. If you’d like to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help ease your anxiety, call our office at 256-229-3416 or fill out our online contact form. 

Symptoms of Dental Anxiety or Phobia

Dental anxiety or the more severe dental phobia may present in a number of ways, including: 

  • Difficulty sleeping the night before an appointment
  • A sense of anxiety that increases as your appointment approaches, perhaps accompanied by sweaty palms, a racing heart, and other physical symptoms
  • Feeling physically ill at the thought of the dentist
  • A sense of panic or difficulty breathing when dental tools are placed in your mouth

Around here, we do everything we can to make you comfortable and put you at ease from the moment you walk through our door. Call 256-229-3416 to get started. 

Causes of Dental Anxiety or Phobia

Understanding the issues underlying your fears can help you overcome them — and help us help you do so. Here are a few of the more common reasons people dread visiting the dentist:

  • Past bad experience. One traumatic visit can set someone up for a lifetime of dental anxiety. These are often from years ago, before modern advances made dentistry relatively pain-free and non-invasive.
  • Fear of loss of control. Sitting in a dental chair with someone’s hands in your mouth puts you in a position of vulnerability that may make you feel uncomfortably helpless. The physical closeness of the hygienist or dentist may also make you anxious. 
  • Fear of injections or needles. Some people fear the injection of novocaine more than the procedure itself. 

We Will Work With You to Conquer Your Fears

The best thing you can do to minimize your time at the dentist (and invasive restorative procedures) is to be vigilant with your preventive cleanings and exams. Our team understands dental anxiety and we offer gentle and compassionate care to help you overcome your fears. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online form or call our Athens, AL office at 256-229-3416.

What Our Patients Are Saying

P. M. (Verified Patient) | Apr 13, 2021
5
Very professional and friendly. Thorough services.

Very professional and friendly. Thorough services.

S. R. (Verified Patient) | Apr 01, 2021
5
Dr. Fitts and his staff are AMAZING! Professional and caring. They give excellent care. Dr....
Read More

Dr. Fitts and his staff are AMAZING! Professional and caring. They give excellent care. Dr. Fitts does wonderful work and provides excellent pain control.

M. W. (Verified Patient) | Mar 24, 2021
5
Awesome staff ! They really make you feel welcome and are concerned about your dental...
Read More

Awesome staff ! They really make you feel welcome and are concerned about your dental issues. Just love my Hygienist and Dr. Fitts

J. D. (Verified Patient) | Mar 15, 2021
5
Staff is friendly, competent, and prompt! Great dentist!

Staff is friendly, competent, and prompt! Great dentist!

T. T. (Verified Patient) | Mar 15, 2021
5
Kind care provided promptly and professionally.

Kind care provided promptly and professionally.

K. W. (Verified Patient) | Mar 05, 2021
5
Wonderful visit will be back. Also will recommend yall to everyone that needs a dentist.

Wonderful visit will be back. Also will recommend yall to everyone that needs a dentist.

M. R. (Verified Patient) | Mar 05, 2021
5
Great cleaning and dental exam.

Great cleaning and dental exam.

B. W. (Verified Patient) | Mar 05, 2021
5
Friendly staff that is very accommodating! Highly recommend.

Friendly staff that is very accommodating! Highly recommend.

L. C. (Verified Patient) | Mar 02, 2021
5
Hailey (sp) did an excellent job on my cleaning. Very thorough and pleasant.

Hailey (sp) did an excellent job on my cleaning. Very thorough and pleasant.

B. H. (Verified Patient) | Mar 02, 2021
5
I’m very thankful I found this place , Dr.Fitts and staff and very loving and...
Read More

I’m very thankful I found this place , Dr.Fitts and staff and very loving and welcoming making a person scared for the life to get a root canal felt like going to your moms house for dinner , I love everyone there thank you all for getting my the courage to get over my fear and finally not be in pain anymore . Thank you all very much you mean my world to me .

Read Our Patient Testimonials
Rate Us
Call Today to Make an Appointment 256-229-3416 Request an Appointment
15059 E Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 35749
  • Mon: 8am-5pm
  • Tue: 8am-5pm
  • Wed: 8am-5pm
  • Thu: 8am-4pm
  • Fri: Closed
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed
Call Today to make an Appointment 256-229-3416 Request an Appointment

Location

15059 E Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 35749

Office Hours

  • Monday 8am-5pm
  • Tuesday 8am-5pm
  • Wednesday 8am-5pm
  • Thursday 8am-4pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Ensuring Your Child’s First Dental Visit Is A Good One

As you look toward a new year, you’re probably already wondering about the resolutions you’ll make for better ...

Read More
Get Teeth Whitening Before Time Runs Out!

When you’re getting ready for a special event, knowing you look great helps you feel more relaxed while you’re ...

Read More
Call Today to make an Appointment 256-229-3416 Request an Appointment

Location

15059 E Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 35749

Office Hours

  • Monday 8am-5pm
  • Tuesday 8am-5pm
  • Wednesday 8am-5pm
  • Thursday 8am-4pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Ensuring Your Child’s First Dental Visit Is A Good One

As you look toward a new year, you’re probably already wondering about the resolutions you’ll make for better ...

Read More
Get Teeth Whitening Before Time Runs Out!

When you’re getting ready for a special event, knowing you look great helps you feel more relaxed while you’re ...

Read More
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Site Index

© 2021 East Limestone Family Dental | All Rights Reserved |Privacy Policy|Sitemap

*Results May Vary By Individuals