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Oral Health Resources

Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

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   >>> Anxiety   Related articles:
  • What Do Dentists Do to Relieve Anxiety?

    • >> Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office?
  • Can Music Help Overcome Dental Anxiety?
  • Anxiety Contributes to Oral Health Problems
  • How Dentists Help Anxious Patients
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    Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office?

    People are anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons, including worrying about the effectiveness of localized anesthetic and feeling like the dentist is rushed or is neglecting your concerns. Other factors include anticipation of pain, the cost of the procedure, past experiences and even the sterile smell of the dental office. Interrupting the normal day's routine to visit the dentist also is a factor in general anxiety. If not addressed, dental anxiety can lead to unnecessary oral health problems as a result of avoiding the dentist, which in turn can end up leading to much more time spent in the dental chair when treatment is the only option.

     

    If you are looking for a dentist, ask friends and relatives for recommendations. A glowing review from someone you trust about a dentist can significantly reduce anxiety. You can also find a dentist by calling the Academy of General Dentistry's toll-free service 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327). Give the operator your ZIP code and you'll receive the names of three Academy members in your area.

    If you are seeing a new dentist for the first time, schedule an appointment for a visit. Take the opportunity to ask this dentist a few questions, and be sure to address your concerns. You'll find that dentists who take the time to speak with you about these matters will be understanding when it comes to addressing your fears.

     

    Updated: January 2007

     
    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.