Dental anxiety is a serious issue that can affect your physical and mental health. It can lead to poor oral hygiene, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease that requires costly treatments.
Treatments for dental phobia include cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and exposure therapy. The latter involves gradually 강남임플란트 visiting the dentist to practice handling lower-level fears and apprehensions, such as meeting a dental hygienist or having your teeth cleaned.
Fear of the Dentist
Dental fear can be triggered by any number of things. People may equate the dentist’s chair with their experiences as children, or they may remember a painful visit that shaped their perception of dentistry. Other times, a patient can feel anxiety simply because they do not understand the process of dentistry.
A traumatic experience or a history of a mental health condition like anxiety disorder can contribute to the development of Dental phobia. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes dentophobia as a phobia, and it can have a devastating impact on oral health if not managed effectively.
Fortunately, dentists understand that anxiety is a normal part of the dental office experience and offer a variety of techniques to help you control your emotions during your appointment. For example, you can try relaxing exercises like focused breathing or meditation. You can also ask your dentist about sedation methods (such as nitrous oxide or pills) to help you relax during treatments.
Fear of Pain
For some, fear and anxiety are triggered by the prospect of pain. This can be due to a previous painful experience, a belief that dental treatment will cause pain or a simple lack of knowledge about the procedure or recovery.
Feelings of shame and embarrassment are also common reasons for dental fear. These feelings can be exacerbated by insensitive remarks or negative judgement from a dentist, dental therapist or hygienist.
A history of sexual or physical abuse can contribute to dental phobia, as well as mood or anxiety disorders. People who have experienced PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are also at greater risk of developing a fear of the dentist. Cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, exposure therapy and medication can all be used to treat a fear of the dentist. Some patients find it helpful to bring a friend or family member along to their appointment to help reassure them. They may also be able to talk about their fears and anxieties with their doctor or psychologist who can provide advice and support.
Fear of the Procedure
Some people become anxious and panicked at the thought of having a procedure done. This can include fears about bleeding, choking and gagging, or fear of the sensations of having something stuck in their throat (or other parts of their mouth) that might be caused by needles or other dental instruments.
It can also be the result of a traumatic past experience, such as being bullied or sexually abused at the dentist or having dental procedures performed without their consent. It is also common for people to develop dental anxiety if they have family members with the same fears. This is a phenomenon known as vicarious learning.
The best way to avoid this type of fear is to find a dental office that is patient-focused and offers a variety of ways for patients to calm their anxieties. For example, some patients find that bringing their own music to the appointment or taking medication to reduce their heart rate before treatment helps.
Fear of the Hygienist
People who fear the dental hygienist may grow anxious when they feel trapped in a chair with their mouth open and someone hovering over them. They may also become fearful of the tools and equipment and a feeling of being judged by the hygienist.
Some people develop dental anxiety and phobias because of negative experiences from childhood – for example, an untreated toothache or a traumatic extraction. The sound of the drill, the numbing injection or seeing blood can also cause anxiety. People who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders and anxiety disorders are at increased risk of developing a phobia of the dentist.
The good news is that dentophobia can be overcome with the help of a mental health professional and a dentist who understands and empathises with their patients. In addition, relaxation techniques such as hypnotherapy and sedation can be used to reduce the anxiety and fear associated with dental treatments.