What is fear of the dentist and how widespread is it?
Fear of the dentist is also known as dentophobia, dental phobia or oral phobia. People with this phobia fear visiting the dentist and treatment so much that they keep putting it off or even avoid it altogether. Often this fear comes from past negative experiences with previous dental treatments. Previously painful treatments using drills or injections bring back bad memories and acute anxiety can develop.
Avoiding further dental exams can further increase anxiety and create a vicious cycle that is difficult to break out of. Around five to ten percent of Germans suffer from dental phobia, albeit with varying degrees of severity.
Dr. -medic stom. (RO) Diana Svoboda MSc, MSc. has been medical director of the diPura specialist clinic for aesthetic dentistry and implantology in Essen since 2002. The dentist and certified implantologist also specializes in modern sports dentistry.
What symptoms and reactions are typical for patients with dental fear?
An acute dental phobia manifests itself in the fact that those affected avoid visits to the dentist because the thought of it causes panic. This can cause the dentition to seriously deteriorate over time. Inflammation or tooth decay can occur; in the worst case, avoiding visits to the dentist can even lead to tooth loss.
If anxious patients decide to go to the dentist at some point, for example because of severe pain, and their dental health has suffered, the treatment may become more extensive and also more painful. This can trigger renewed anxiety and further delay the next appointment.
How can dentists tell if a patient is suffering from dental anxiety?
People who are afraid of the dentist may make appointments, but often cancel them spontaneously because the fear is too great. This can be the first sign of a phobia. But you can also tell from their behavior whether a patient is excited or even panicking. In order to recognize possible fear of the dentist, a detailed anamnesis before treatment can be helpful.
If fears and concerns are discussed openly beforehand, this creates trust between doctor and patient and it becomes clear what should be paid attention to. In this way, individual treatment methods can be coordinated and, ideally, a calming environment can be created.
Fear of the dentist can be suspected in the mouth itself if it is in poor condition, for example with severe tooth decay or inflammation. This may be a sign that the person has not been to the dentist in a long time because they are afraid of it.
What special treatment methods are there for patients with dental fear?
It is important that patients feel safe under the circumstances and that their concerns are taken seriously by the treating doctor. It can help to discuss your exact fears beforehand and thus develop an individual treatment. There are various ways to create the gentlest possible treatment situation.
One of them is the use of nitrous oxide during treatment. This is suitable for both pain-sensitive patients and anxious patients. The advantage: The patient remains fully conscious and can go home independently immediately after the treatment. This form of treatment can theoretically even be used on children.
If patients experience extreme fear or panic, treatment can also be performed under general anesthesia. To do this, the necessary examinations and tests must first be carried out and the risks must be explained.
What tips can those affected use themselves to reduce their anxiety?
Those affected should not push away their fear, but rather actively deal with it. If the cause of the fear is found, it can be better treated. If you have an extreme phobia, it may make sense to get psychological or psychotherapeutic support in order to overcome the fear and develop a joint therapy concept.
It helps if the patient learns how to calm himself down using relaxation techniques, for example. When looking for a dentist, you should find out exactly what treatment options the respective dentist offers or whether they even specialize in anxious patients.
It is important that you feel comfortable with the treating doctor and in the practice. In order to find the best possible form of treatment, you should openly discuss your fears with your doctor and seek advice.
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