Recognizing dental fears and anxiety during dental procedures
Dental anxiety can range from a generalized feeling of unease to a medically diagnosed condition. For instance, it’s normal to experience anxiety prior to a possibly uncomfortable dental operation. However, when visiting the dentist or even just thinking about dental operations, a person with a special phobia of the dentist, known as dentophobia, may suffer crippling anxiety symptoms. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a specific phobia is a diagnosable anxiety disorder that usually calls for professional treatment.
Anxiety, tense muscles, and a pit in the stomach are common symptoms of general, non-clinical anxiety related to seeing the dentist. In contrast, a person suffering with dentophobia may encounter intense anxiety sensations such as these when confronted with the idea or object of their phobia:
trembling, sweating, and other symptoms of terror
a quick heartbeat
Losing consciousness
Attacks of panic
Feeling lost or confused
dreadful thoughts Staying away from the dentist at all costs
Symptom-related side effects include difficulty sleeping, elevated stress levels, and health issues brought on by neglecting dental care.
It’s usually advised that you see a licensed mental health care provider for support and treatment recommendations if you’re exhibiting signs of a diagnosable mental health issue, such as a specific phobia or other anxiety disorders. Specific phobias are typically treated using exposure therapy or other types of psychotherapy, occasionally in addition to medication. Be aware that talk therapy can be beneficial even for people who don’t exhibit symptoms of a diagnosable condition.
Finding potential sources of dental anxiety
While treating dental anxiety, it could be beneficial to take the origins of the fear into account. Dental anxiety is frequently caused by the following:
a pain phobia
unfavorable prior experiences that have fueled a cycle of dread
Shame or embarrassment over one’s dental health
A delicate gag reaction
a widespread aversion to medical procedures
Associated childhood trauma
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Research indicates that if a person’s dental anxiety meets the criteria for being classified as a clinical specific phobia, then both genetics and early experiences may have contributed to the development of the fear.
Practical advice for your upcoming dental or oral health visits
There are some suggestions that can make your upcoming dental appointment less stressful if you have one scheduled. First and foremost, you may feel more at ease and receive greater assistance from your dentist if you let them know about any fears or anxiety you may have before your consultation. You have the option to express your worries and ask any particular questions you may have concerning the planned treatment. Generally, you shouldn’t feel awkward because they are probably accustomed to these kinds of inquiries.
You could also ask for modifications that could ease your anxiety about the dental work that will be done, like the opportunity to use headphones with soothing music or to engage in guided imagery, the right to take breaks when necessary, or the requirement that the dentist thoroughly explain each step to you before they start.
Here are some more pointers to help you be ready for your dental appointment and control your anxiety when you’re there:
Select a dentist with whom you are at ease and who you trust. If you’re selecting a new practitioner, further investigation and analysis of patient testimonials may be beneficial.
To better understand what to expect and to help yourself mentally prepare, research any planned operations in advance.
Caffeine should be avoided for a few hours prior to your consultation since research indicates it may exacerbate jitteriness and anxiety.
Bring along a family member or friend to provide moral support and to help you stay composed.
You’ll feel more prepared and won’t forget anything if you write down any questions or issues you wish to address in advance.
To assist keep your nervous system at ease and relaxed, try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization before and even throughout the consultation. Talking to yourself positively might also help you feel at ease.
If appropriate, enquire about the availability of general anesthesia or numbing drugs for specific treatments.
Living with dental anxiety is manageable.
Seek assistance from a certified therapist
obtaining expert assistance for dentophobia or dental anxiety
Dentophobia and dental anxiety symptoms can both be upsetting and make it harder for a person to get the care they need to maintain good oral hygiene and stave against gum disease.
In cases where dental worries or fears are preventing you from visiting the dentist, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a mental health expert. For symptom relief and less anxious dental treatment, therapy in particular may help a person learn to recognize and change mistaken beliefs about the dentist or dental procedures.
In many circumstances, if therapy is something you’re interested in, you have the option of receiving it in person or virtually. Online therapy may be more convenient for those who don’t have access to professionals nearby or whose anxiety symptoms make it hard for them to leave the house. You may usually feel comfortable selecting whichever format you like because there is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that, in most situations, internet treatment may provide equivalent effects to in-person therapy.
