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Dental Phobia… What Can You Do?

Patient Overcoming Dental PhobiaIt’s normal to be a little nervous about going to the dentist. Truth be told, most people don’t look forward to their visits. However, others may have an elevated fear that causes increased stress and anxiety before their appointment. Still others might have a true dental phobia, where the thought alone is absolutely terrifying. An individual with a dental phobia will very likely avoid going to the dentist altogether. They may go years without treatment, letting problems get worse. If you have a dental phobia, don’t let this happen to you! Contact us for an appointment or even just a consultation so we can put you at ease and “break the ice.”

Things To Remember If You Have A Dental Phobia

  • Not All Dentists Are The Same – Dentistry has come a long way in recent years. Whatever your experience in the past, know that dentistry has come a long way in recent years. Improved materials, technology, and techniques put less stress on the patient. Furthermore, remember that not all dentists are the same. Whatever negative experience you may have had in the past is probably not the norm.
  • Let Us Know About Your Fears – Talking about the problem can be helpful. If you are fearful of the dentist, please tell us about it! Feel free to mention any specific things that you dislike so we can work to put you more at ease
  • Ask For Special Accommodations – If there’s anything that might help your appointment be less stressful, feel free to ask! Whether it’s a warm blanket, a comfy pillow, or soothing music. we’ll do everything in our power to make your experience a relaxing one.

Other Fearful Groups

Other groups that may exhibit an irrational fear or difficulty at the dentist may include children, individuals with autism or other learning/cognitive disabilities, as well as older adults with Alzheimer’s.

If you have a loved one in this situation, please contact us to discuss what accommodations can be made and the best course of action to get them the treatment they need!

About Yuri Kaneda, DDS

Dr. Yuri Kaneda was born in Japan and immigrated to the US when she was 4 years old with her family. She lived in Ohio, Nebraska, and Illinois before finally settling in the San Diego area. A graduate of Bonita Vista High School, she went on to the University of California Berkeley where she obtained her Bachelors in Microbiology and Immunology. After working for 2 years in growth plate research at University of California San Diego, she went to the University of California San Francisco Dental School for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, she returned to San Diego where she worked as an associate in the practice of Drs. Morimoto and Yaryan, her childhood dentist. She then started her own practice in 1995 and has been at her present location since 1999 which happens to be across the street from her high school!

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