What is the definition of dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is characterized as a generalized feeling of unease regarding dental visits. This definition encompasses a broad range of feelings that may arise in anticipation of dental care, which can be influenced by a variety of factors, including previous negative experiences, the perception of pain, or even worries about the treatment outcomes.

This form of anxiety is not limited to a specific fear of dental procedures, which would be a narrower perspective and more specific in nature rather than encompassing the wide array of feelings associated with the prospect of visiting a dentist.

Moreover, while dental anxiety can involve emotional responses to pain or discomfort, it primarily focuses on the anticipation and overall sentiment surrounding dental visits rather than a response to a specific experience. Finally, although fear of dental professionals may contribute to someone's anxieties about dental care, it captures only a part of the broader spectrum of dental anxiety, which is more about the overall feelings and concerns related to the dental experience itself.