subject: Everything You Need To Know About Dental Phobia [print this page] Everything You Need To Know About Dental Phobia
Dental phobia or dentophobia is defined as the fear of dental care, dentistry and the general dental procedure.
One very common symptom synonymous with all dental phobics is the extreme fear anything to do with dentists. They would rather endure a painful toothache than visit a dentist. Many theories have been advanced to explain the cause of dental phobia, however, researchers do agree on the most common causes of dental phobia to be:
Bad experiences with a dentist: The memory of a traumatic, difficult or painful experience of the previous appointments with a dentist, often manifests itself unconsciously later in life.
History of abuse: This is a non-dental traumatic incident such as bad experiences with other doctors or in the hands of sexual, physical or emotional abuser. Many victims of past abuses will not be comfortable in close confines with a dentist.
Uncaring dentist: A study has shown that dentists who are "uncaring" or "cold", have contributed to dental phobia, even in the absence of painful experiences. Interestingly,Vicarious learning: As people hear more of other's traumatic experiences or negative opinions of dentistry, they develop dental phobia.
Helplessness: This mainly affects individuals whose personality traits do not permit them submit to other people, in this case, the dentist. They believe that if they are not in charge, bad things will happen to them.
Negative portrayal of dentistry in mass media has also contributed to the development of extreme dental fear.
Consequences Of Dental Phobia
Almost all dental phobics, avoid regularly dental checks, they often miss out on the benefits of dental care. Dental Phobia may also lead to:
Anxiety and depression;
Loss of self-esteem;
Depending on how obvious the damage is, the individual may avoid laughing, meeting people, even close friends, due to embarrassment over their teeth.
Treatment
Treatments for dental fear often include a combination of behavioral, cognitive and pharmacological techniques as strategies to help patients alleviate this fear.
Behavioral techniques: include positive appraisal of the patient, the use of soothing words, and tell-show-do techniques.
The latter technique involves verbal explanations of procedures in easy-to-understand language that is followed by demonstrations of the tactile aspects of the procedure in a non-threatening way, before the actual procedure. Other example of behavior techniques is cognitive restructuring, systematic desensitization and guided imagery.
Pharmacological techniques: This technique ranges from mild sedation to general anesthesia, and are often used by dentists in combination with behavioral strategies. One commonly prescribed anxiety-reducing medication used in dentistry is nitrous oxide among other oral sedative, such as a benzodiazepine like diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or alprazolam (Xanax).
Innovations: Certain dental practitioners are going out of their way to change their methods of practice to try and make their patients' appointments relaxing, pampering, and even a treat. The focus is on making the dental visit more stress-free, restful, and even enjoyable. Physical environment associated with dentistry, which can trigger feelings of fear being replaced.
Self-Help And Support Websites
Online communities, such as www.preemptivehealing.com are playing a role in helping people to confront their phobia and successfully receive dental care. Visits these sites and make the loudest laughter today!
