Dental Phobia Articles

Do You Have a Fear of Dentists?

Get Help In Overcoming Dental Phobia

Nobody enjoys visiting the dentist, but for those who suffer dental phobia, a trip to the dentist's office is more than unpleasant: it's downright terrifying. Overcoming dental phobia takes time, but it is important to a person's overall health and well-being.

Where do dental phobics develop this dread of going to the dentist? Most can trace their fears to a traumatic experience in the dentist's chair, usually during childhood. Many recall being held down against their will, being yelled at, and feeling pain, terror and panic. For them, every visit to the dentist's chair brings back that sense of helplessness and terror.

Overcoming dental phobia requires trust and communication between the patient and the dentist. The phobic patient should discuss her fears with her dentist well before sitting down in the chair. If the dentist downplays those concerns, find another one.

Whether your primary concern is pain or anxiety, find out what forms of anesthesia the dentist can offer. Patients who can't get numb from Novocaine or who have a sensitive gag reflex can benefit from intravenous sedation, which can also block the panic response. General anesthesia may work for patients who suffer from anxiety attacks. Nitrous oxide, also known as sweet air or laughing gas, provides pain relief and distraction. Another option is to pre-medicate with anxiety-reducing drugs.

Mental preparation can also help in overcoming dental phobia. Relaxation and distraction techniques such as deep breathing and positive visualization may help the phobic patient approach visits with a more relaxed attitude. Finally, phobics should consider getting professional help, either psychotherapy or hypnosis, to help release their deep-seated fears.

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