Many people have a high level of dental anxiety and avoid any and all dental treatment. This can cause future dental issues. Below are some questions that, if answered yes, may signify that you have some level of dental phobia or anxiety. It is important to remember, however, that many new, incredible dental products and procedures are available that can make the dental visit a much more pleasant experience than in the past.

• Do you feel slight uneasiness and tension the night before your dental visit, which makes you cancel your dental appointment?
• Does the sound of the dental drill make you feel nervous or anxious?
• While waiting in the reception area of the dental office, do you feel nervous about the visit?
• Does the smell of the dental office bring back bad memories of past treatment?
• Have you had a prior dental experience that was unpleasant?
• While in the dental chair, do you feel uneasy and anxious?
• Does the thought of having a dental injection make you feel physically ill and tense?
• Are you afraid of the local anesthesia wearing off too soon?
• Does seeing the dentist or dental hygienist’s instruments make you anxious?
• Do you feel embarrassed that the dentist will say you have the worst mouth they have ever seen?
• Do objects placed in your mouth during the dental visit make you panic and feel like you cannot breath correctly?
• Do you feel that your dentist is unsympathetic only with you?
• Are you afraid of choking either from the dental instruments or your own saliva?