The Statistics: What the Numbers Say About Dental Fear
- 22 percent do not visit the dentist due to fear
- 29.2 percent delay visiting the dentist due to fear
- 20 percent go to the dentist only when necessary because of fear
- 94.5 million Americans fear the dentist
- 24.3 percent prevalence of dental fear
The Causes: Why Do People Fear the Dentists
- Bad experience in the dental office
- Mood or anxiety disorders
- Fear of pain
- Fear of needles
- Teeth Sensitivity
- Not feeling in control
The Cost of Dental Fear: What can Happen if You Missed Your Dental Appointment
- Prevents proper preventive care and dental treatment
- Plaque buildup and tartar
- Tooth decay, gum disease, other dental problems
- Tooth loss and dental pain or severe illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
Sedation Dentistry: How to Relax on a Dental Chair
Sedation Dentistry is the use of medication that is considered safe and effective to relax patient undergoing dental treatment.
Inhaled minimal sedation
- breathing nitrous oxide or laughing gas
- amount of sedation is controllable by the dentist
- wears off quickly
Oral sedation
- taking a pill, usually triazolam
- the patient may fall asleep during the procedure
- gentle shake can awake a patient
IV moderate sedation
- a sedative drug is received through the veins
- works quickly than oral sedation
- level of sedation is adjustable
Deep sedation and general anesthesia
- taking medications to make patient semi-unconscious or unconscious
- consciousness returns when the anesthesia wears off or reversed medicine is taken
Overcoming the Fear: What Can You Do?
- Talk to your dentist
- Acquaint yourself on the dental procedure to understand the treatment and avoid false anticipations
- Practice proper oral hygiene to reduce dental problems
- Visit the dentist with a trusted relative or friend to help you calm down or be more comfortable
- Distract yourself while undergoing the procedure like listening to music
- Try relaxation techniques
- Talk to a psychologist for expert advice and treatment of your dental fear
References:
- American Dental Association. (n.d.). Patients. Retrieved from American Dental Association Website: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/health-policy-institute/dental-statistics/patients
- Michael Friedman, D. (Ed.). (2015, November 29). Sedation Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist’s Chair. Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in-the-dentists-chair#1
- Sine, R. (2012, March 1). Don’t Fear the Dentist. Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dont-fear-the-dentist#1