Dental Phobia

Dental Phobia Solutions in Staten Island, New York

Many adults and children in Staten Island, NY have dental phobia and fear visiting the dentist office. While many feel a certain amount of anxiety before their visit the dentist, those who have a serious dental fear or phobia avoid seeking treatment for dental problems, even if it means that they continue to suffer with pain or embarrassment. In some cases, if the dental problem is left untreated, it can lead to problems in your overall health. Dr. Frank DiCicco and Dr. Colleen Intatano understand this fear and are committed to alleviating the dental phobia and anxiety of patients at our Staten Island, New York office. Face your dental fear head on – contact Drs. DiCicco and Intatano at Staten Island Dental Group to make your appointment today.

Staten Island Dental Group is the right office for you!

We not only specialize in cases where people experience dental phobia but it is our mission to provide the best, a ease, optimal health and oral care for people who have trouble going to the dentist. Your comfort is out first priority when assessing your oral health and delivering you all the knowledge behind our treatment plans.

What Is Dental Phobia?

Dental phobia is the extreme fear of going to the dentist. Dental fear and anxiety can stem from a past negative dental experience, a strong aversion to needles, or another reason strong enough to keep a person from seeking necessary treatment for serious dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth loss, or cavities.

It is documented that 75% of adults experience some degree of dental phobia. Dental phobia can range from mild, moderate, to severe. It is because of dental phobia that many people leave their ailments untreated and as expected the condition gets worse. People are known to wait until they have an absolute dental emergency. It is advised and suggested to address any issues at a young age in order to prevent or prolong and phobia, anxiety, and discomfort that is often associated with dental visits.

Common Causes of Dental Phobia

  • A direct bad experience.
  • Indirect experience, stemming from vicarious learning, mass media, or a stimulus generalization.

Self-help and Peer Support

Recent research has focused on the role of online communities in helping people to confront their anxiety or phobia and successfully receive dental care. The findings suggest that certain individuals do appear to benefit from their involvement in dental anxiety online support groups.

 Treatment for Dental Phobia

A visit to the dentist need not leave you in a panic! It is important to remember that there have been many advances in dentistry over the last twenty years. From innovations in technology to the increasing use of sedation dentistry, dentists have the tools to painlessly perform your dental procedure. Drs. DiCicco and Intatano focus on sedation dentistry, a technique that uses oral sedatives to put your muscles and your mind into a more relaxed state. Since sedatives induce drowsiness, you will not remember much of the procedure.

It is important that you discuss your dental phobia or fear with Dr. DiCicco and Dr. Intatano prior to your visit. Dr. DiCicco and Dr. Intatano and the rest of the staff at Staten Island Dental Group are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your procedure to help you lessen your dental fears.

Learn More about Dental Fears, Anxiety, & Phobia

Don’t let dental phobia get in the way of a beautiful smile! Discuss your dental fear and anxiety with Dr. DiCicco and Dr. Intatano at Staten Island Dental Group in Staten Island, New York — schedule your appointment today.