Do you get shivers just thinking about going to the dentist? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common issue that prevents many from getting the care they need. But there’s a solution! From relaxation techniques to hypnosis and, in severe cases, general anaesthesia, there are several effective ways to reduce dental fear.
Read More: 5 Expert Tips to Find Dentist Who Cares About Dental Phobia
What is Dental Anxiety?
Fear, tension, or worry related to a dental environment is known as dentophobia. Objects like needles, drills, or the dental office itself can bring on dentophobia (fear of dentists).
An individual with a history of head and neck trauma, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or both is more likely to suffer from dental fear.
Dental appointments may be avoided as a result of this anxiety, which can have a detrimental effect on oral health.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Anxiety & Phobia
Oral anxiety is frequently brought on by a dread of pain, bad memories from the past, a helplessness complex, and embarrassment over one’s oral appearance.
The symptoms of dentophobia might be moderate or severe. Among them, the most common symptoms are as listed:
- Increased heart rate
- Perspiration
- Panic attacks
- Feeling lightheaded and dizzy
- Chills
- Sweating excessively (hyperhidrosis)
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Breathing difficulty (dyspnea)
- Trembling or swaying, shaking
- Indigestion or upset stomach (dyspepsia)
- Sleep disturbance before a dentist appointment
What Are the Main Causes of Dental Phobia & Anxiety?
Dental phobia can be caused by due to certain factors. Some of the causes that trigger dental phobia are as follows:
- Traumatic dental experience
- Generalized anxiety,
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Trust issues
- Family history of dental phobia
- Fear of loss of control or sense of helplessness
- Self-consciousness or embarrassment regarding the appearance of your teeth
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How Dental Anxiety or Phobia Impacts Your Oral Health?
People suffering from dentophobia often miss or postpone their dental appointments. Dental examinations are procedures that are no less than a nightmare for them.
By doing so, they put themselves at risk of developing oral and gum-related diseases. An early diagnosis of the disease can prevent further complications.
Dentists look for any indications of oral diseases and tooth decay during examinations and devise the best treatment to eliminate the issue at the early stages.
8 Ways Dentists Use to Manage Dental Phobia
Managing dental fear and reducing dental phobia is essential for ensuring a positive experience at the dentist’s office. Dentists employ various strategies to help anxious patients feel more at ease during their visits. Here are eight practical ways dentists use to calm anxious patients.
1. Conscious Sedation
This kind of sedation entails a drip of medicine inserted into the hand or arm vein. An anaesthetist or a dental sedationist administers intravenous (IV) sedation.
When under IV sedation, also called twilight sedation, you are conscious and responsive to voice cues while feeling calm and maybe going into a light slumber.
After the surgery, sleepiness and nausea are possible side effects. After IV sedation, you shouldn’t drive yourself home.
2. Relaxing Music
One of the simplest methods to relax a patient is to play soothing music. Numerous healthcare organizations recognize the advantages of music therapy and use it to soothe patients and lower stress levels.
According to research, listening to music can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Calming Water Therapy
The science behind this therapy is similar to that of music, but it is not as widely known. The sound of running water calms people.
This therapy also lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, it has an advantage over music.
According to research, the sound of rushing water causes your brain’s EEG signals to become less complex. Put another way, it soothes a worried mind.
4. Hypnosis
Hypnosis can effectively manage dental fear by helping individuals achieve a state of deep relaxation and calmness.
It can reduce fear and stress associated with dental visits, making the experience more comfortable. Many people find that hypnosis helps them overcome their dental fears, allowing for regular dental care and improved oral health.
5. Googles:
Colored glasses help reduce sensory overload by dimming the bright lights used during dental procedures.
These glasses can create a calming effect and help patients feel more relaxed. The use of color therapy, where different colors can evoke specific emotional responses, may also play a role in alleviating anxiety.
This simple yet effective tool contributes to a more comfortable and less stressful dental experience.
6. Oral Anxiolytic Pills
Dentists may prescribe oral anxiety-relieving (anxiolytic) drugs to assist nervous patients unwind. A tiny, single-dose anxiolytic pill is given to the patient one hour before the dentist session.
Since you cannot safely operate a vehicle while under the influence of a sedative medicine, you will need transportation to and from the dentist appointment from someone.
Medication should only be taken after seeing your physician or dentist.
7. Relative Analgesia (laughing gas)
Nitrous oxide, also referred to as “happy gas” or “laughing gas,” aids in patient relaxation during dental procedures.
You breathe in a nitrous oxide and oxygen combination while wearing a mask on your face.
Most people find that the calm state that results from nitrous oxide sedation is rather enjoyable.
8. General Anesthesia
Sometimes, general anaesthesia is used to manage patients with severe dentophobia. It induces a state of unconsciousness, ensuring the patient feels no pain or stress during the procedure. While effective, it carries risks and requires careful consideration and monitoring by a qualified anesthesiologist. This option is usually reserved for extreme cases where other anxiety management techniques have not been successful.
4 Tips for Reducing Anxiety During Dental Treatments
There are several ways to deal with dental phobia, including discussing your concerns with the dentist, practising relaxation techniques, or going to therapy to address the underlying causes of the worry. Here are some tips to
- Sitting on the dentist’s chair and imagining positive thoughts is another way. Go to your “happy place” and recall amusing or fulfilling experiences from the past.
- You can feel calmer, and your mind can become more relaxed by practising deep breathing.
- Dentophobia can also be reduced in the dental office by having some sort of distraction. You can listen to your favourite music on headphones, watch television there or play games on your mobile.
- Having a friend or relative there to support you could help you relax. You can feel more at ease, secure, and calm with this person.
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Final Thoughts
Both adults and children might experience dental fear, but you can overcome it and should schedule routine visits. Consult your dentist about potential methods so that they can aid you in reducing your dental fears. Seeing TV, bringing a friend, or even trying complementary therapies like hypnotherapy could help you relax and face your visits fearlessly.
Find more tips and oral directions to a brighter smile at our blog.
FAQS
How do dentists calm patients?
Dentists calm patients using techniques such as deep breathing exercises, distraction methods (like music or TV), and sometimes sedation. They also explain procedures thoroughly to reduce fear.
Can dentists tell if you have anxiety?
Dentists can often identify signs of distress through body language, such as tense muscles, fidgeting, or sweating, and by observing the patient’s dental health, like worn-down teeth from grinding.
How do I distract my mind at the dentist?
To distract your mind at the dentist, you can focus on deep breathing, listen to music or a podcast, or visualize a calming scene