Dental phobia, often known as dental anxiety, is a dread of dental procedures and treatment. This dread can become so intense that people delay obtaining critical dental care and treatment, even when they are in pain or have tooth problems. While most phobias are illogical or exaggerated, in certain cases, “dental phobia” may be the result of a past negative or traumatic experience with dentistry, and may be more related to post-traumatic stress disorder than a real phobia as explained by Palm Harbor, FL dentist. In this article, we will learn about the signs of dentophobia and strategies that minimize the fear.
What Are the Signs of Dentophobia?
Someone with dentophobia can have a range of anxiety symptoms before or during a dental appointment. They include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Pacing in the waiting room
- Leg bouncing
- Fainting
- Feeling physically sick
- Shortness of breath
- Shaking hands or clammy palms
Strategies That Minimize the Fear
Find the proper dentist: A dental fear might be caused by a history of negative dental encounters. But what if you discovered the proper dentist – someone who listens to you, explains treatments, is kind, and has a professional yet pleasant demeanor? This may be the turning point you need. Interview dentists, investigate their practices, and inquire about qualifications to choose one that meets your needs. This might make all the difference.
Understand The Technology: Dentists who invest in cutting-edge dental technologies often provide a completely distinct – and phobia-free – dental experience. Two examples include lasers, which can do fillings without the use of a needle or the feared drill, and 3D imaging x-ray devices, which enhance diagnostics and allow for less intrusive treatment options.
Relaxation and Hypnosis: When the above tactics don’t seem to work, you may need to take more drastic measures. Relaxation techniques and hypnosis can help control, for example, gagging reflexes and the incidence of teeth grinding. Note that it may not necessarily be used to treat the dental phobia itself.
Distraction: Perhaps you need a good dose of diversion, anything to keep your mind off the appointment. Many offices now include televisions so that patients may watch a comedy or the news while in the chair, allowing them to forget what’s going on in their mouths.
Dental sedation: If you require extra assistance in the chair due to physical or psychological responses that impede dental procedure, consider dental sedation. This can help you relax sufficiently so that the dentist can perform their job – and you let them! Various varieties are available based on your requirements.
