Feeling nervous about going to the dentist is common. For some people, it may mean mild uneasiness before an appointment. For others, dental anxiety can be strong enough to cause physical symptoms, sleepless nights or repeated delays in seeking dental care.

Dental anxiety, dental fear and dental phobia are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can describe different levels of distress. Dental phobia generally refers to a more severe fear that can make it particularly difficult for someone to attend appointments or complete necessary treatment.

Whatever level of anxiety you experience, it is worth discussing it with your dentist. There are practical ways to make dental appointments feel more manageable, and the right approach will depend on what makes you anxious and the type of dental treatment you need.

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