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What Is Dental Anxiety?

  • Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics
  • November 14, 2014

There are people who would rather endure the excruciating pain of a toothache than pay their dentists a visit. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, about 25 million Americans refuse to get dental treatment due to fear. Millions of people prefer to live with their dental problems to avoid the procedures to fix them. Odontophobia is an irrational fear of dental surgery. Most people experience dental phobia due to the anticipation of the pain rather than the pain itself.

Based on studies, the most known cause of dental anxiety is the memory of an unpleasant experience, such as a cut lip, that occurred in the dentist’s chair. Children who were held down in a chair against their will, or whose protests of pain were ignored by their dentists, may also remember the feeling of helplessness and panic as adults.

There are two factors inherent to dentistry concerning dental phobia: the intrusive nature of the work and the patient’s loss of control. According to Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesman for the American Dental Association, in order for him to treat his patients, he needs to get into their personal space. “I have to be closer to you than almost any other physician gets — at least while the patient is awake,” said Messina.

Since patients appear to be helpless while someone does unsettling things in their mouth, not only is the whole thing uncomfortable, but the ability to communicate verbally is lost. During the procedure, a patient is usually trapped in a chair with his jaws open, looking at the ceiling without being able to see what the dentist is doing — making it easier to envision a dreaded event.

Dental anxiety may have a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more you try to avoid seeing your dentist, the worse the condition becomes. And when you finally have no choice but to go, the condition already requires more invasive procedures and potentially more pain. However, modern dentistry has recognized this problem with dental anxiety that they continue to develop new techniques to alleviate it. Techniques like simple relaxation and the use of sedatives are being endorsed by the American Dental Association.

Patients who are afraid of injections can now feel comfortable with smaller gauge needles and better techniques. While a wisdom tooth extraction and periodontal surgery can be so painful, technological breakthroughs make filling small cavities and routine extractions almost pain-free, with only minor discomfort after the anesthesia wears off.

According to Dr. Howard Weiner, a professor of behavioral science and dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, another effective way to control anxiety is to establish trust with your patients. Weiner has studied dental anxiety for 20 years.

When a dentist seems to be rushing and doesn’t take time to listen to a patient’s concerns. Patients become anxious regarding the risks of different treatments, such as the effectivity of anesthesia, the safety from the dental instruments being used, the fear of AIDS, among other worries. These stressful aspects of the experience may cause the patient to panic, said Weiner.
Over the years, patients’ fears have changed and evolved. But modern dentistry continues to develop various ways to handle these fears in a more creative and comfortable manner.

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Patient Reviews

Our 5-Star Experience

We work hard to earn our patients’ trust by providing the highest quality orthodontic care possible. Check out what other patients are saying about their experience!

Destinee S.
Ms. Judith was absolutely amazing when she put my braces on! She patiently went over every step of the tedious process and made sure I understood what was happening the whole time. Her motherly energy made me feel calm, cared for, and completely at ease. She was so kind and gentle I truly felt like I was in great hands. I would 100% refer anyone to her. She made what could’ve been a stressful experience feel very comforting!
Response from the owner:We're thrilled to receive your five-star review! It warms our hearts to hear that you appreciate the care you receive at our practice. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're here for you.
Brenda D.
Very friendly office. Very patient with me in getting my retainers to fit and go on. Mary went beyond the call of duty to give advice and help me with my retainers.
Very professional office and Brittany was great!
Response from the owner:Brenda, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Talisha S.
Mary was AMAZING !!!, along with everyone that assisted. The environment is so welcoming & everyone is very informative,
Response from the owner:Talisha, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Charita A.
Friendly staff !!! My daughter love going here !!! They fixed her smile within a year ! I would recommend them to anyone that’s in need of braces !!!
Response from the owner:Charita, thank you for the fantastic five-star review!
tara A.
We’ve been incredibly impressed with Burrow, Welchel & Culp Orthodontics from the very beginning. Their level of care, attention to cleanliness, and commitment to patient comfort are outstanding. The team is always accommodating, and their flexible hours make scheduling visits easy for everyone. Their expertise truly stands out—our daughter’s progress in just three months has exceeded our expectations. We couldn’t be happier with our experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for leaving a five-star review! We're delighted to know that you had a positive experience with us. Our team is committed to providing the best care for your family!
Satish R.
Good place for consultation.. Honest recommendations and friendly staff.. not a busy location for parking..
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Yery H.
The staff is very nice, Monica and Alexis are great, they give me the information and the treatment I need it. I would recommend Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics - Ballantyne to everyone.
Response from the owner:Yery, thank you for the fantastic five-star review! Your feedback means the world to us. We're glad to hear that you're having a wonderful experience with our team!
Kara P.
I got my adult braces done here. Super friendly staff, and the best prices among 3 places I looked by a LOT! My smile is absolutely perfect now. I cant say enough good things about Burrow Welchel & Culp. Ill definitely be coming back for my kids braces.
Response from the owner:Kara, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Sandra O ́.
Fue nuestra primera cita. Todo el personal nos trató muy bien. Me explicaron las diferentes planes que te ofrecen. La atención en general fue muy bien
Response from the owner:We're thrilled to receive your five-star review! It warms our hearts to hear that you appreciate the care you receive at our practice. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
Denise M.
Came here for an emergency appointment. We normally visit the location in Rock Hill. Appreciate the staff fitting us in on short notice and explaining what to do in case we have issues with our expander again. As always the staff is very warm and reassuring. Thank you all!
Response from the owner:Denise, thank you for the fantastic five-star review! Your feedback means the world to us. We're glad to hear that you're having a wonderful experience with our team!
Brandon H.
Well organized place that I decided to get my braces installed, everything went smoothly and according to the plan. I have braces now and I am enjoying them.
Response from the owner:Brandon, we are so glad you and your children had a great experience and are very grateful for the five-star review!
Ms. D.
So excited to be working with them. The facility was very clean and everyone was so friendly and explained everything in details.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Eric M.
It was fast and friendly service. They kept all of their promises..I couldn't be happier.
Response from the owner:Eric, thank you for the fantastic five-star review!
K E.
the staff is incredible! they make every visit fun, quick, and as pain free as possible! we couldn't be happier!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Kamalaah H.
The staff is professional, friendly, and personable! I would definitely recommend this office to friends and family!
Response from the owner:Kamalaah, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
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To best serve you, we offer multiple orthodontic office locations for your convenience. Come see us at one of our locations below for high-quality orthodontic care with a personal touch you won’t find anywhere else.

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    Pineville, NC 28134
Charlotte
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    Fort Mill, SC 29715
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  • 860 Summit Crossing Pl. Ste. 130
    Gastonia, NC 28054
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    Harrisburg, NC 28075
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  • 1033 Bayshore Dr.
    Rock Hill, SC 29732
Tega Cay
  • 1365 Gold Hill Rd.
    Fort Mill, SC 29708
University
  • 10818 Mallard Creek Rd. Ste. 101
    Charlotte, NC 28262
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    Charlotte, NC 28277
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    Wilmington, NC 28411
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    Harrisburg, NC 28075
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gastonia

  • 860 Summit Crossing Pl. Ste. 130
    Gastonia, NC 28054
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Harrisburg

fort mill

  • 1550 N. Dobys Bridge Rd. #102
    Fort Mill, SC 29715
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Harrisburg

charlotte

  • 2711 Randolph Rd. Ste. 600
    Charlotte, NC 28207
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Harrisburg

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  • 14746 Lancaster Hwy.
    Pineville, NC 28134
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