Dental anxiety affects many patients and can hinder them
from taking the next step to achieve their oral health care goals.
Dental anxiety and dental phobia are extremely common. Many
people have at least some anxiety about visiting the dentist. But for a patient with a dental phobia, a
dental visit can be terrifying. Up to 15 percent of Americans report they avoid
seeing the dentist due to severe dental anxiety or dental phobia. Some people will put off dental care for
years or sometimes even decades! This can lead to advanced gum infections
(periodontal disease), pain, or even broken or decayed teeth. The price of dental phobia can include a higher
risk of gum disease and can lead to tooth loss. Other people have to live with
a loss of self-esteem or reduced quality of life. They suffer with embarrassment over how
their smile looks, the inability to eat well, or even discomfort or pain.
There are many different degrees of dental anxiety or phobia.
In the case of a dental phobia, there can be a complete avoidance of the
dentist - sometimes for years! Some will go to their appointment, but they may
not sleep the night before or feel sick before or during their dental
appointment.
When people are feeling tense, they may have a lower
threshold for pain and may need extra anesthetic or other pain treatments. They
may also suffer from headaches or muscle tension in their back, neck, arms or legs
while in the dental chair.
·
Tense muscles or trouble sleeping the night
before a dental appointment
·
Increasing nervousness or feeling ill while in
the waiting room.
·
Feeling like crying or getting overly emotional when
you think of going to the dentist.
·
You panic, gag excessively, or have trouble
breathing during a dental appointment.
What are the causes? And what can help?
Those suffering from
dental anxiety or phobia report the main triggers as: pain, a feeling of helplessness and loss of
control, embarrassment, or negative past experiences as the cause for their
fear of the dental office.
The major triggers of dental anxiety or phobia, and
how they may be handled:
Pain - Some people have had a previous dental
experience that may have been uncomfortable, had trouble getting numb or have
very sensitive teeth or gums. Some of
these experiences may have happened before many of the advances in
"pain-free" dentistry. These
days, we have many pain control techniques, analgesics and anesthetics
available.
·
Before and during the appointment: different comfort
choices can be offered including headphones, music, blanket, a relaxed
environment, distraction, mental imaging, sleep mask, breathing techniques, a
bite block, or other comfort measures. Dental
professionals have different local anesthetic and topical rinses, liquids,
sprays or subgingivally applied gels that can be used. Tooth desensitizing agents are also
available. Your dental professional will
be very knowledgeable about what is available and can select the appropriate
method based on the type of procedure, length of procedure as well as your
individual needs and preferences.
· For
surgical or more intensive procedures, IV conscious sedation or oral sedation
is often an option. Sedation
dentistry can provide a calming experience for patients who have experienced
high levels of anxiety related to dental treatment. Some dentists are highly trained and
certified in IV conscious sedation or oral sedation.
IV CONSCIOUS SEDATION
Intravenous (IV) Sedation helps even our most anxious patients remain
relaxed and comfortable during procedures. Many patients feel as though they,
“went to sleep” during the sedation. The goal of IV conscious sedation is not
to provide general anesthesia but instead to allow patients to remain conscious
and relaxed with minimal risk during the procedure.
ORAL SEDATION
A prescription medication can be given that can relieve anxiety patients
feel before and during their dental procedure. It allows patients to respond
verbally and physically to directions all while in a very “restful” state.
Patients using oral sedation will need to be driven to and from the procedure.
·
After the appointment: Warm saltwater rinses, over the counter or
prescription pain medications are available to assist in a person’s recovery
after the procedure. Having post-appointment care information in writing as
well as given verbally is also helpful.
Helplessness or loss of control — in the dental
chair, a patient has to stay still, they can't see what's going on or predict
any potential discomfort. It's common
for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety. A
patient's state of mind is very important especially when one has dental
anxiety or phobia. For some patients, a
clear explanation of what procedures will be done, what to expect, and how to indicate
if they need the operator to stop or give them a rest can help immensely.
Embarrassment — People may feel ashamed or
embarrassed to have a stranger looking in their mouth. Some people lack self-confidence or are
ashamed of how their teeth look, and may be afraid they'll be judged or
ridiculed. Dental care also involves an invasion of a person’s personal space
as dental treatments require physical closeness. During a treatment, the
hygienist's or dentist's face may be just a few inches away. This can make
people anxious and uncomfortable.
Negative past experiences — many that have had
pain or discomfort during a previous dental procedures, often in childhood, but
it could be any other time, are likely to be more anxious.
To cope with dental fear, it is best to tell your dentist
about your feelings, concerns and fears so they can help you overcome these
feelings by adjusting your comfort and care in the dental office.
Through
the specialty of periodontics & implant dentistry, we at Britten Periodontics
strive to deliver comfortable care and ethical treatment in a welcoming
environment. Our goal is to deliver
exceptional dental care with compassion, using the latest research based
techniques. With education and encouragement, our goal create a strong
relationship with our patients and a comfortable experience.
Our
team members understand that the treatment provided is not always pleasant or
comfortable but they possess the personality to make the patient feel at ease
in spite of this. As a team, we partner
with other caring healthcare providers to deliver patient treatment with honor
and dignity. A healthy, satisfied patient is our ultimate reward! For our surgical procedures, Dr. Britten is
highly trained and certified in both IV conscious sedation and oral sedation.
He is one of the few Periodontists in the Tampa Bay area who offers IV
sedation.
Britten
Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering
patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida.
Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science & Doctorate of Dental
Surgery from University of Florida, a Master’s Degree and Certificate in
Periodontology and Implant Dentistry; and completed extensive training at the
Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is one of the only board-certified
periodontists in Pinellas County. He is a member of the American Academy of
Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of
Periodontists, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Hillsborough County
Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Research Association and Florida
West Coast Dental Association.
