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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
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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

J. G. (Verified Patient) | Jan 08, 2021
5
Excellent dental provider with a hard working staff. I have been going here for a...
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Excellent dental provider with a hard working staff. I have been going here for a few years and am thankful for finding an excellent dentist in my area. I have never had this level of service in relation to quality of work and pain-free from other providers that I have used. My son gets excited for every visit to get his teeth cleaned which says a lot for how well this staff takes care of its patients.

J. H. (Verified Patient) | Dec 24, 2020
5
The absolute BEST! I now have a new hygienist and she is spot on! Haley...
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The absolute BEST! I now have a new hygienist and she is spot on! Haley is professional and has major skills!

C. L. (Verified Patient) | Dec 24, 2020
5
BEST staff and Dr Fitts is great!!!!

BEST staff and Dr Fitts is great!!!!

L. T. (Verified Patient) | Dec 23, 2020
5
I loved my experience. The staff was friendly & they followed their COVID protection protocols...
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I loved my experience. The staff was friendly & they followed their COVID protection protocols to a T. They were very patient & kind with my little one when he got his check up as well! The nurses & assistants did everything they could to ensure my little one was comfortable when it was mommy’s turn to get her teeth cleaned. We both left with clean smiles & a warm experience.

B. D. (Verified Patient) | Dec 19, 2020
5
They are the best people I have met. Very caring. Dentist is the best. Removed...
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They are the best people I have met. Very caring. Dentist is the best. Removed 3 teeth. No pain. He made it easy. I give the highest marks for every thing. I will definitely go back. Never enjoyed trip to dentist until now. They really care about the patient and it shows. Think GOD led me to them. So happy. GOD bless them all.

L. C. (Verified Patient) | Dec 17, 2020
5
Everything went well

Everything went well

B. W. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
5
Dr. Fitts and his team are amazing! I was there yesterday and my teeth have...
Read More

Dr. Fitts and his team are amazing! I was there yesterday and my teeth have never felt better! He worked on an old crown that never felt right and bothered me from time to time over the years. Finally after many years and several dentists this tooth is happy! The hygienists are fun, friendly. They really seem to enjoy their work and care about their patients. If you've never enjoyed a visit with your dentist then it's time to switch to Dr. Fitts.

D. C. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
5
I have gone to Dr Fitts at East Limestone Dental for about 10 year for...
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I have gone to Dr Fitts at East Limestone Dental for about 10 year for all of my dental care. They have always been caring and convenient. Dr Fitts runs a first class operation.

D. C. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
5
I have gone to Dr Fitts at East Limestone Dental for about 10 year for...
Read More

I have gone to Dr Fitts at East Limestone Dental for about 10 year for all of my dental care. They have always been caring and convenient. Dr Fitts runs a first class operation.

B. W. (Verified Patient) | Dec 04, 2020
5
Dr. Fitts and his team are amazing! I was there yesterday and my teeth have...
Read More

Dr. Fitts and his team are amazing! I was there yesterday and my teeth have never felt better! He worked on an old crown that never felt right and bothered me from time to time over the years. Finally after many years and several dentists this tooth is happy! The hygienists are fun, friendly. They really seem to enjoy their work and care about their patients. If you've never enjoyed a visit with your dentist then it's time to switch to Dr. Fitts.

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Call Today to Make an Appointment 256-229-3416 Request an Appointment
15059 E Limestone Rd, Harvest, AL 35749
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  • Fri: Closed
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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

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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
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