Our solutions to overcome your fear of the dentist
Fear of the dentist has many names. From dentophobia to stomatophobia for the most developed cases, this apprehension of dentists can have serious consequences on your health in general.
In this article, the specialists at our dental clinic in Montreal reveal how to overcome your phobia of the dentist with a few simple tips.
What is dentophobia?
Dentophobia (or fear of the dentist) refers to the anxiety some people may feel about visiting their dentist or receiving dental care.
The causes of dentophobia vary from one individual to another and are often wrongly considered irrational, as people sometimes have difficulty putting words to their fear.
It is important to know that fear of the dentist is a widespread phenomenon. It is estimated that around 30% of patients suffering from a fear of dentists have experienced a traumatic event during dental treatment in their childhood.
If you are in a dental emergency situation , but you are still hesitant to make an appointment. Or if you need to gather all your courage to walk through the door of your dental clinic. Know that you are not alone and that there are solutions to overcome your fear.
What are the signs of dentist phobia?
Dental phobia affects children and adults and usually manifests itself through temporary anxiety and apprehension. Here are some signs:
You suffer from insomnia the night before your dentist appointment.
You experience a “ dry mouth ” sensation.
You feel a racing heart and physical discomfort at the thought of undergoing a procedure, even if it is a simple dental exam .
You avoid your routine visits.
You frequently postpone your appointments because you are afraid of seeing your dentist.
You neglect your dental problems, even when they cause toothaches .
Fear of the dentist can be a real obstacle to properly monitoring the oral health of those who are affected by it. If you think you are suffering from it, it is important to find solutions to your discomfort so as not to compromise your health.
How to stop being afraid of the dentist?
There are several options available to you if you want to overcome your fear of the dentist.
You will find one for all affinities depending on your preferences. After discussing it with a health specialist, nothing prevents you from combining several in order to put all the chances on your side.
Discussing your fears with your dentist
The easiest way to know how to stop being afraid of the dentist is… simply to talk to him/her about it. Your dentist is the best person to understand your feelings and make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Verbalizing your fears is undoubtedly an essential step towards calming down. Discussing your concerns openly with your dentist is therefore the best way to put an end to your fear.
At Centre dentaire Mont-Royal, our dentists are used to caring for patients who are anxious at the mere thought of receiving dental care . By showing empathy and being attentive to the stress you may be feeling, your dentist will be able to adapt to your situation, be very careful with you, without any judgment. He or she will also be able to prescribe medication if necessary to reduce your apprehension.
It is also a good idea to share any bad experiences you may have had in the past, to go to the appointment with a friend or to establish a signal between you and your dentist.
Medications and conscious sedation
Medications with anxiolytic or relaxing properties can also help you reduce your fear of the dentist. Drug solutions exist, but must be prescribed by your dentist in advance of your appointment. These can generally be taken the day before the consultation or during, or both.
In addition to medication, conscious sedation using nitrous oxide (the “famous” laughing gas) can be used. The principle is simple: just breathe in this anxiolytic gas and after a few minutes you will feel completely relaxed. One of the main advantages is the absence of side effects, the effects fading within a few minutes.
Another type of conscious sedation can be performed intravenously by administering an anesthetic based on morphine derivatives.
In both cases, this approach simply helps reduce the patient’s fear and limit pain, such as that of the needle or that caused by the instruments.
General anesthesia
When the fear of the dentist is paralyzing and none of the previous solutions seem to work, more significant solutions can be implemented.
In some situations, general anesthesia may therefore be necessary to preserve the oral health of patients. However, it will only be offered in the event of hospitalization and serious intervention requiring, for example, a complex tooth extraction .
Using hypnosis
Increasingly used, even in the field of medicine, hypnosis can be the solution to help you overcome your fear of the dentist.
This is a gentle method that can help you overcome many fears and apprehensions.
Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis cannot be forced on you. For it to work, you must be receptive to it and open to being hypnotized.
Some studies recommend hypnosis to treat many fears and phobias, such as those of heights, animals or even the dentist.
Using acupuncture
Acupuncture is perfect to use in addition to hypnosis or to integrate into your routine before your consultation with your general dentist .
Although it is mainly known for its analgesic properties, i.e. short and long term pain relief, acupuncture is also relaxing .
Using acupuncture means benefiting from a sedative and calming effect, by acting directly on brain activity. Thus, your stress decreases and at the same time, your fear of the dentist too.
The Mont-Royal Dental Center team is here to help you
Regardless of the origin of the fear of the dentist, whether it is fear of pain, needles, instruments or other, this situation can deprive those concerned of care that is nevertheless essential to preserve their oral and dental health.
