---
title: "What Is Dental phobia? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Dental phobia, also called dentophobia, is an intense fear of the dentist. It goes beyond ordinary nerves and can keep a person from seeking care."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-phobia
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Sedation and Anesthesia

# Dental phobia

Dental phobia, also called dentophobia, is an intense fear of the dentist. It goes beyond ordinary nerves and can keep a person from seeking care.

Dentophobia is a fear of the dentist. People with this specific phobia feel anxious when they think about going to the dentist or when they visit. Past negative experiences, family history, or a feeling of losing control can contribute.

Phobia is a stronger form of [dental anxiety](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-anxiety). It is often described as a cycle. Fear leads to avoiding care, avoiding care can lead to poor oral health, and that can make the fear worse.

If this sounds familiar, tell the dental team before your visit. They can slow down, explain each step, and plan breaks. The [dental anxiety management](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-anxiety-management) page describes what Town Center Dental does. A doctor or counselor can also help with the fear itself.

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Anxiety Management](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-anxiety-management)

## Related terms

-   [Dental anxiety](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-anxiety)
-   [Numbing (dental numbness)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/numbing-dental-numbness)
-   [Sedation monitoring](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sedation-monitoring)
-   [Local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Dentophobia (Fear of Dentists)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists)
2.  [Cleveland Clinic: Dentophobia (Fear of Dentists)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)