All the things you need to know about Nothing personal Doc – ‘I Hate Dentists’ – The Feel Good Guide to Going to Dentist
Nothing personal Doc - 'I Hate Dentists' - The Feel Good Guide to Going to Dentist
If, like most people, you experience some degree of anxiety when it comes time to see your dentist, the following suggestions can help you to relax before and during dental treatment. What’s important is to recognise your anxiety, accept it as a common reaction to an uncertain situation and learn to master it.
- If, like most people, you experience some degree of anxiety when it comes time to see your dentist, the following suggestions can help you to relax before and during dental treatment. What’s important is to recognise your anxiety, accept it as a common reaction to an uncertain situation and learn to master it.
- Start by sharing your feelings with your dentist and dental hygienist. Let them know that you are fearful, tense, or anxious so that they can tailor their treatment and their pace to your needs. Often, a pain reliever can be given if it’s pain you fear.
- Set aside a stress-free time for your dental visit – a time when you won’t be rushed, physically strained, or troubled by other concerns.
- Being friendly and sociable helps establish trust and warmth, both of which can do wonders in allaying your fears and in reducing tension. You might also have a close friend or family member accompany you to your appointment to make you more at ease.
- Try to identify your specific fears and concerns. While these fears are very understandable, it is important to recognise that they often are not realistic given the modern, pain-free techniques now used in dentistry.
- Get a good night’s sleep the day before and eat a light breakfast the day of your appointment. To allow unconstrained movement, wear loose, comfortable clothes. Especially avoid wearing constricting necklines, such as tight collars.
- Schedule short dental appointments by having different procedures performed on different days, if possible. Also arrange to break from lengthy procedures now and then.
- Use visualisation to feel more comfortable and relaxed both before and during a dental visit. You can focus on a relaxing scene from a favourite vacation spot or activity and hold it before your “mind’s eye” during treatment.
- During the dental visit, practise distraction and relaxation techniques to take your mind off the treatment and to reduce tension. You might focus, for instance, on such pleasant distractions as soft music or a colourful poster.
- Ask the dentist or hygienist to explain each step of the dental examination or procedure. The more you know about the reasons for a certain procedure and what will be done during it, the more confident and relaxed you’ll be.
- Once the dental visit is over, praise yourself for a job well done! You might also treat yourself to a special reward for overcoming your dental anxiety.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
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What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
- Pain (or the Fear of Pain) – Pain, or the fear of experiencing pain, is the leading cause of dental anxiety. No one wants to be exposed to a painful or uncomfortable situation, and even the idea of going through a painful treatment can cause a person to have severe anxiety attacks. The pain may be perceived (from hearing about the dental treatment experiences of other people), or may come from personal previous experiences with dental treatments.
- Embarrassment – It can be embarrassing to open the mouth and show the whole oral cavity and especially if the teeth have been neglected and are not in perfect health. People who are conscious of how their teeth look like may feel even more uncomfortable and embarrassed about having their teeth thoroughly examined; hearing negative comments about poor dental health from the dentist can also be a cause for embarrassment. The truth is that an experienced dentist is accustomed to seeing such situations and should be very understanding and conscientious.
- Fear of the Unknown/Helplessness – Facing an unknown or unfamiliar situation can cause anxiety attacks. If one does not have the necessary information about a dental treatment – and what the dental treatment involves – it can be easy to feel anxious, afraid, or helpless about the whole situation. The feeling of helplessness can also come from being “at the mercy” of the dentist on the dental chair, with the mouth wide open and not being able to see what is being done throughout the whole treatment’s duration.
- Previous Experiences – A previously uncomfortable, painful, or embarrassing experience with going to the dentist (or going for a dental treatment) can play a huge role in the development of dental anxiety. When a person has, for example, previously experienced a painfully traumatic tooth extraction, that experience can stay on his mind for a long time – and can lead him or her to believe that all tooth extractions he may have to undergo in the future will have the same traumatic effect. Dental anxiety can then result from the idea of having to go through the same terrifying experience all over again.
- Fear of the Dentist – Fear of the dentist can come from previously negative experiences. When you have been to a dentist who was did not have a particularly compassionate or caring attitude, it may be easy for you to assume that all other dentists are the same – and you may develop a fear of all dentists in general.
- Pain – The fear of pain, or even anxiety that comes from the perception of pain, is one of the major concerns of those suffering from dental anxiety. The fear of pain can arise from a previously painful or uncomfortable experience during a dental treatment; this experience can stay in the mind for a long time, causing the sufferer from developing an aversion to dental treatments in general. Hearing about other people and their painful experiences with dental treatments can also trigger one’s mind into thinking that he or she will have the same painful experience.
- Embarrassment – The fear of being embarrassed may come from a poor dental health condition; the simple act of allowing a dentist to examine your mouth can be the source of acute embarrassment if you know that bad teeth (or swollen gums, or bad breath) will be readily visible.
- The Dental Drill – The vibration and noise that comes from the use of a dental drill can be enough to send someone with dental anxiety into a serious panic attack. The perception of pain can also accompany the fear of a dental drill – especially if a previous experience led to pain and discomfort with using a dental drill, in cases when the treatment area has not been successfully numbed prior to the actual treatment.
- Needle Fear – Fear of needles may range from a general aversion to the use of needles, to the specific fear of having to experience a dental injection. The fear of needles is very closely related to the fear of experiencing pain, since the dental anxiety sufferer’s notion is that the use of needles/injections can cause a great amount of pain and discomfort.
- Fear of the Sounds, Smells, and Sights of a Dental Office/Treatment – The specific smell that is associated with dental practices (most commonly the smell of eugenol or oil of cloves may trigger memories of previously bad experiences with other dental practices; the sights and sounds of the dental equipment and gadgets used in a dental office can also be associated with uncomfortable or painful experiences that may in turn trigger panic attacks.
- Losing Control – The fear of losing control while in “the mercy” of the dentist on a dental chair can cause someone with dental anxiety to avoid getting dental treatments done; this is especially true for individuals who have a need to always be in control of the situations they are in. The fear of losing control may come from previously negative experiences with the dentists, or with having to face an unknown situation (an unfamiliar dental treatment).
- Fear of Panic Attacks – Panic attacks can be terrifying and traumatic episodes, and those who have experienced them may be even more fearful of placing themselves in situations that can trigger these paralysing situations.
- Brushing Teeth – For some people, the simple act of brushing teeth can trigger bad dental treatment experiences – causing them to avoid doing what should be a part of an essential daily routine. Concerns about brushing teeth may also arise from gag reflex problems, or from not liking the taste of toothpaste products.
- Gagging – A sensitive gag reflex can make it very difficult for a person to get the dental treatment he or she needs. The gagging can be due to physiological or psychological factors (or both); the gagging reflex can be stronger when combined with a feeling of anxiety, and the fear of not being able to breathe properly while a dental treatment is being undertaken.
- Choking – The fear of choking can some from a previous near-choking or actual choking experience; this fear is magnified even more with the idea that there is loss of control when a dental treatment is being done, or when the dentist’s tools are inside the mouth.
- Numbness – The numb feeling that is necessary for certain dental treatments can trigger a feeling of fear for some individuals, who may feel that they are losing control of the numb parts – not being able to feel anything can be a weird or terrifying experience for some. On the other hand, the inability to achieve numbness can also be a concern, as some people may think that they will still be able to feel pain even when anaesthesia is administered.
- Making a Fool of Oneself/Crying – Related to the fear of embarrassment or losing control, some dental anxiety sufferers have a fear of crying uncontrollably in response to a dental treatment – and are afraid of making fools of themselves.
- Negative Reaction to Local Anaesthesia – Allergies and negative reactions to anaesthetics, especially those that have previously been experienced, can cause a person to be fearful of going through the same experience all over again.
- Fear of Being Awake (During Dental Treatment) – The idea of being knocked out cold and staying asleep throughout the duration of a dental treatment may make the experience easier to bear, so the notion of being awake – and experiencing all of the uncomfortable sensations – during the dental treatment can be a source of fear.
- Extensive Treatment – Some people (especially those who have consciously avoided dentists for a long period of time) are afraid of having to go through more extensive treatments after a specific dental treatment is done. A fear of hearing a serious diagnosis, and the need for even more treatments, can prevent a person with dental anxiety from going to the dentist in the first place.
- Unnecessary Treatment – This is the fear of having to undergo treatments that are not really deemed necessary for a dental concern, or making matters even worse with dental treatments.
- Cost – The high cost that is perceived to be associated with getting good dental health care may cause dental anxiety patients to feel apprehensive with going for a dental check-up (or dental treatment) in the first place.
- Special Needs/Concerns – Those with special needs, such as severe medical conditions, learning or physical disabilities, or psychological concerns, may find it difficult to go through the effort of going to the dentist for dental treatment. Finding a dentist who is qualified in treating the specific special need/concern will go a long way in making the whole experience much more rewarding.
- Previous Abuse Experience – People who have experienced abuse of any kind (physical, psychological, or verbal) from a dentist may find it very difficult to trust dentists again – even if they are dealing with a different dentist this time around. The traumatic experience may lead a person to avoid going to the dentist altogether, to ensure that the abuse will not be repeated in any way possible.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
10 Tips to Help You Overcome Dentist Phobia
- Tell the dentist about your fears. This information will help the dentist determine how to best manage and address those fears. By letting the dentist know exactly why the experience is difficult for you, you will feel more control in the examination chair.
- Remember that dental procedures have greatly improved in the past few years. Modern dentistry offers new methods and treatment options to make you feel comfortable.
- Your dentist can explain the entire procedure to you beforehand, as well as walk you through step-by-step while the procedure is being performed. You always have the right to fully understand the work being done on your teeth.
- Consider additional medication to relax. Many dentists recommend nitrous oxide, sedation or anti-anxiety medicine for extremely nervous patients. Find a dentist who offers these options to help you get through the visit.
- Find a dentist you are comfortable with and establish a trusting relationship. There are many personalities in the dental profession. Find a dentist who makes you feel at ease and is willing to work with you on your fears.
- Breathe deeply and try to relax. Some dentists recommend practicing relaxation techniques before and during the appointment. Other dentists find that listening to music, or scheduling an appointment first thing in the morning, before the stresses of the day add up, also help patients to relax.
- Talk to the dentist about stopping if you’re uncomfortable. Many of the dentists surveyed said they establish a signal to “stop” with their patients. This puts you in control of the procedure and alerts the dentist if you’re uncomfortable or need to take a break during the appointment.
- Visit the dentist regularly to prevent problems. For fearful patients, just going for a check up can be nerve-wracking, but the more you go to the dentist for routine cleanings, the more likely you are to avoid larger problems that result in extensive procedures.
- Visit the office and talk to the staff before your first appointment. You should feel free to meet with the dentist and to ask questions before scheduling your appointment. Meeting the dentist and his or her staff first will help you find a dentist you like and trust.
Go slow. Dentists are happy to go slow with nervous patients. If possible, make sure your first visit is a simple one, such as a cleaning. This will help you build your relationship with the dentist before going in for a more difficult procedure.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
Treatment Methods of Overcoming Dental Phobia
- If you are anxious about dental treatment then you are not alone. Between 6-14% of the population avoid attending the dentist because of anxiety about treatment. Between 45-55% of patients who attended the dentist are anxious in the dental environment.
The reasons people fear attending the dentist are varied and include pain, cost of treatment, lack of control while in the dental chair, embarrassment and fear of the unknown. The cause of dental anxiety is usually a previous bad experience, but can be caused indirectly through horror stories about dental treatment from family, friends and even the media. - The fear of treatment may appear to the patient to be irrational, uncontrollable and without obvious cause. Such patients will only attend for treatment when in extreme discomfort or never at all. As a result their dental condition deteriorates to the point where their appearance is affected. This can cause embarrassment and loss of self-confidence which in turn can cause problems socially and at work.
- For other patients, the fear is not so deep seated. They can explain the cause of their anxiety and can usually control it to some extent. However, they are still anxious about dental treatment and will try and avoid it where possible.
- Fear of dental treatment can be overcome by a variety of treatment methods which are described on this website.
- When you make the appointment to see the dentist, tell the receptionist you are nervous about treatment. This first appointment will usually be to discuss your fears about treatment and to do an initial examination of your teeth. From this appointment a provisional treatment plan can be made. Depending on what you and the dentist decide, this plan can include one or more of the treatment methods outlined below. Initially, you may wish to have treatment using one or more of these described methods. However, the ultimate aim should be to reduce your anxiety to a level that it is possible to have treatment without any assistance. This is not possible in all cases, but where it can be achieved it is very satisfying for both patient and dentist.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
There are several methods available to help you overcome your fears while dental treatment is being done.
This is the simplest method of treatment for nervous patients. It involves a careful and sympathetic approach from the dentist, with explanations of what is being done and allowing the patient control over the procedure.
Some patients may want to bring a friend along for support. It may also be possible to play relaxing music or to watch a video while having treatment.
This involves the use of oral sedative drugs e.g. diazepam, midazolam, which are taken before treatment. They can also be taken the night before treatment to help you sleep.
The sedative effect of these drugs is unpredictable and can vary between individuals. Because the drugs are taken by mouth it is impossible to quickly increase or decrease the amount sedation.
They are best used for sedation the night before treatment to ensure restful sleep or to produce light sedation during treatment where anxiety levels are low.
While under the effects of the drug, the patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult and refrain from driving and operating machinery.
INTRAVENOUS SEDATION
This involves administering a sedative drug in order to produce a very relaxed state so that treatment can be carried out. The drug also causes short term memory loss so that very little of the treatment can be remembered.
The drug is administered through one of the veins in the arm or hand. The amount of drug given varies between individuals but enough is injected to produce relaxed state within five minutes. Because the drug acts very quickly, more can be given if necessary to increase the feeling of relaxation.
The effects of the drug can last up eight hours after and the patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult and refrain from driving, operating machinery or other responsible activities during this time.
It can be used on most healthy adults but must be avoided in patients with severe lung disease, some heart problems, obesity or in pregnancy. It is also not suitable for children or the elderly.
This type of sedation is very safe as the patient is not unconscious as in general anaesthesia. It works for the vast majority of patients and it is a very effective way of providing dental treatment. It is also very effective in treating patients who gag easily.
This involves giving a mixture of nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’) and oxygen which are inhaled through a rubber face mask. The nitrous oxide reduces anxiety and improves co-operation, without causing unconsciousness.
The effects of the nitrous oxide wears off very quickly and the patient can leave the surgery without the need for an accompanying adult.
This technique can used for most patients but must be avoided in those with colds and other respiratory problems, psychiatric treatment, vitamin B12 deficiency and in pregnancy. This form of sedation is particularly useful for treating anxious children.
GENERAL ANAESTHESIA
General anaesthesia (GA) involves being ‘put to sleep’ in order to provide dental treatment. It is only available in hospitals and specialist centres, and must be administered by a qualified anaesthetist. Because of the slight risks involved with GA, it is only used where there is no other option. The procedure is usually limited to adults who are undergoing complex treatments (e.g. extraction of wisdom teeth) or are not suitable for the other methods of treatment described. It is also used to treat anxious children. Treatment provided under GA is usually limited to extractions and simple fillings.
HYPNOSIS
This involves the use of hypnotherapy to reduce anxiety.
It is very effective in people who are respond well to hypnosis. It may involve one or more preliminary sessions before treatment is attempted. The hypnosis may be done by a hypnotist working with a dentist or by the dentist if he is qualified in hypnotherapy.
This type of treatment is not widely available and can be time consuming and expensive.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
This form of treatment is used to treat a whole range of phobias and anxiety disorders. The psychotherapist will initially try and locate the origin of your fears. They will then follow a program of therapy designed to overcome or control your anxiety sufficiently for you to undergo dental treatment.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a medical treatment which can be used to relieve the symptoms of a variety of physical and psychological conditions including dental anxiety. Each patient’s case is assessed by the practitioner and treatment will be tailored to the individual.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
A Simple 5 Minute Cure for Dental Anxiety
- Many of us feel extremely anxious when we think of visiting the dentist. This fear is the cause of procrastination in scheduling dental appointments, missed or cancelled appointments, and difficulty in tolerating procedures during dental care.
- Although many dentists will try to convince you that these fears are unfounded, we believe that there are actually many good reasons (even aside from painful past dental experiences) to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. By understanding these reasons and utilizing our simple techniques, dental anxiety can become a thing of the past!
- The oral cavity is one of the most tender and most vulnerable parts of our body. We feed ourselves through it and kiss our loved ones with it–the mouth is literally a path to our innermost self. The tongue is the only organ in our body which is fully developed at birth and functions fully during the first 2 months of life. Our infant lives are dependent upon it for nourishment, to communicate and express our feelings, and to explore the world (We all know how infants just seem to put everything they touch into their mouths!). During this early part of our lives, we are helpless and dependent, unable to express ourselves fully, and vulnerable to pain outside of our control.
- Does this describe the feelings aroused by a dental visit?!
- During dental care, we place our mouths in a very vulnerable position. If we feel helpless, these infant experiences of dependency and vulnerability will arise from our unconscious minds. The result: anxiety.
- A visit to the dentist is unlike any other medical experience. We place ourselves in a physically vulnerable position (on our backs), and suspend our usual physical boundaries by allowing the dentist to “invade” our bodies. We render ourselves unable to communicate in the usual way (since our mouths are what’s being tended to), and anticipate pain, while remaining conscious and fully alert. The physical proximity of the dentist may be perceived as threatening, and if we add to the mix the negative associations many of us have with doctors or other authority figures, it is easy to see how feelings of anxiety might arise.
- Most of us agree that anxiety and fear notwithstanding, the benefits of timely dental visits far outweigh the cost of avoiding them. How then, do we cope with the anxiety we feel when faced with a dental appointment?
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
Eliminating Acute Anxiety
This exercise is intended to give you control over the physical discomfort of anxiety.
- Before your dental appointment, imagine yourself in the anxiety producing situation in order to eliminate anxiety, one must first recognize the feeling of being anxious.
- Sit in a chair in a quiet place and picture yourself in a stressful situation, dental or non-dental. For example, a stressful dental situation might be either anticipating a dreaded dental experience or remembering a past dental experience. A non-dental example might be speaking in front of a large group of people.
- At first, try standing “outside” of yourself and watch yourself in the difficult situation. Then try to experience the situation yourself, looking at it from the “inside”.
- Once you feel anxious, or physical discomfort, go on to Locate where in your body the anxiety ‘lives,’ such as a tense neck or back, clenched fists, nervous stomach, unconsciously holding your breath, or dizziness. Close your eyes. Pretend to travel inside of your body and find the place where the stress seems to “live”. This is often the stomach, chest, head, hands or arms. This area feels different and separate from the rest of your body.
- Measure the anxiety on a 1-10 scale. Rate the degree of discomfort on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. This will allow you to monitor your progress.
- This step is important: Explore the “size, shape, borders and texture” of the anxiety.
- The area of discomfort feels different and separate from the rest of your body. Try to isolate it and explore its “borders” and “shape”. Is it “large” or “small”? “Round” or “square”? Localized or diffuse? How deep does it go? All the way to your back? Or is it shallow and just under the surface? Is it a solid, liquid or gas?
- Manipulate the anxiety: make it larger, smaller, softer, etc.
Now that you have a clear idea of the stress you’re feeling, you can do things to change it. First, make it bigger. Take all the concentration you need to do this, and when you’re ready, rate it on a scale of 1-10. (It will probably be less than 10.) Then, make the area smaller, like a golf ball or an egg. Now, you can move it around, forward and back, or side to side. As you begin to gain control of the anxiety, you can begin opening a path from where the anxiety “lives” to your throat. Now, move the spot of discomfort to your throat, then take a deep breath and blow it out of your mouth. - Re-measure the anxiety. Do your 1-10 rating. By now, it will probably feel much less!
- These steps give you some control over your anxiety, which enables you to reduce it.
- What if these tactics to overcome the fear of visiting a dentist don’t work?
- In some cases a step-by-step desensitization program can eliminate severe fear of the dentist. Another option is medication to help you relax for your appointments. Discuss this possibility with your dentist.
- “Your relationship with your dentist is based on trust, and you should expect to be treated as an individual. Make requests. Don’t hesitate to ask for special treatment
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
Treating Children Who Fear the Dentist
Some children have a deep-seated fear of dentists, making dental appointments a traumatizing experience. However, it is important that children have regular dental checkups. There are tips for dealing with children who have dental anxiety or severe dental phobia, including:
- Start dental checkups at an early age, so the child will be comfortable and familiar with dental appointments.
- Enforce good oral hygiene, so trips to the dentist are minimal.
- Be careful not to convey your fears of the dentist to your child.
- Another option to treat a child’s dental anxiety is to find a dentist who specializes in Pediatric care. Pediatric dentists have special training that allows them to help anxious children feel safe and secure during dental checkups and procedures. They also offer kid-friendly offices, so the environment is inviting and comfortable for children.
- If not addressed during younger years, dental anxiety can develop into severe dental phobia as one gets older. To prevent bad oral hygiene later in life, the above suggestions can work to calm your child’s fear of dentists.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
How to cope with Dental Phobia and Dental Fear
You got tooth aches. It’s time to visit the dentist. What is it that you fear? You may have a specific fear , such as needles. But for lot of people, it may be everything. Not to worry, because all these tends to be made up of lots of individual fears. What is Dental Phobia ?
Fear of the dentist: Fear of the dentist is pretty common. Some of them have had bad experience in the dental chair in the past. In general it’s very easy to assume that Dentist’s are bad people. There’s a theory called “CONSTRUCT THEORY” which says that people have tendency to describe certain experiences to a group of people who have certain things in common. But this constructs ( e.g “evil” as opposed to “kind” and “bad” as opposed to “good” and so on ) are based on a very small observations and surveys. So unfortunately if you had horrible experiences in visiting 10 dentist’s and one or two of them were in the downright horrible, this does not mean that all the dentist’s confirm to this pattern.
Dental Phobia 1 Fear of sights, sounds and smell in the dental environment: Sights , sounds and smells are powerful environmental triggers. If you suffer with dental phobias or fears merely evoking the images sounds and smells you associate with dentistry is enough to generate intense feelings of anxiety or even panic
Dental Phobia 2 The Smell: If you think of typical dental surgery smell, then RELAX (its outdated now). But certain smell of some antiseptics are unavoidable. Nowadays its really a phobic friendly environment in the dental clinics. So take into account of the overall atmosphere of the place.
Dental Phobia 3 The sounds: Nowadays dental clinics are not so noisy as they used to be . You must take in mind that when noise is inserted in the mouth it sound much louder than it actually is . It’s the dentists job to introduce all the equipments to you, regarding how they work and what noise they make, If he forgets to tell you about this don’t hesitate to ask them. Sounds are subjective experiences. You all must be aware of the sound of your voice if you cover your ears. Most of them co-relate the sound of the dental equipment to the pain. This is done due to some past experiences which had pain. Whenever the patient hears that sound the pain perception aggravates even though this is physiologically impossible. Still if the sounds bother you , ask the dentist for a Ipod or thing which can divert your attention from the sound. Nowadays in most of the clinics and hospitals a silent background music is played to make the atmosphere phobic friendly.
So no need to worry about sounds henceforth.
Dental Phobia 4 Needle phobia : You are not the one to have needle phobia its merely 10% of people share this fear. Not all dentist’s in the world are good in giving painless injections so to overcome this matter topical anaesthesia is been developed. By applying it the injections are seen cent per cent painless. Ask for it to the dentist and carry on the procedure. Once the injection starts working there is no pain and will find out that dental procedures are not so terrific as you were thinking. There are many different approaches and techniques , often used in combination such as hypnosis, systematic desensitization, deep breathing, visualization, and guided imagery, positive affirmations and reward systems.
Dental Phobia 5 Embarrassed? What dentist really thinks : Most of the people who suffer from dental phobia have long known: that “intense embarrassment due to poor dental status or perceived neglect often with fear of negative social evaluation as chief complaint,” This is extremely common among people suffering from dental phobia. Whatever caused the phobia initially leads to avoidance which in turn means no access to professional dental care, usually resulting in poorer oral health and at some stage the results of this neglect are perceived to be so embarrassing that its totally impossible to see the dentist even when in pain.
So its a humble request, Don’t TORTURE yourself, be upfront about your fears and ask your dentist not to make any comments that you might construe as negative. There’s absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about other factors which make a sense of shame and embarrassment , so common when it comes to dental fear and phobia may include an emphasis on beauty and perfection in modern western society. It may help to know that from the operators ( that is the dentist’s) perspective, the situation looks very different. They have been trained to help people who are experiencing problems with their teeth and gums. It’s their job to fix these problems.
Do you have a fear of going to the Dentist? Does the thought of the Dentist makes you anxious? Looking for the best Phobic-friendly Dentist and Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne? We know the realities of how you feel, we take them seriously & we’re not judgmental or demeaning. Your Comfort is Our First Priority. Call us now for best Gentle Dental Care in Melbourne on 9629-7664.
Dental Sedation, Sleep or Twilight Dentistry
Phobias and anxiety related to dental procedures aren’t something that only affects children – many adults silently have to deal with the problem too.
Some patients feel so stressed about seeing the dentist that sedation may be a better option. IV (intravenous) sedation has an advantage in that it can be administered in the surgery by an anaesthetist or dentist specially trained in IV sedation. It’s milder than a full anaesthetic, so it generally makes people feel like they just had a short nap for ten minutes.
These options can help you relax in the dental chair, leaving all your worries behind. Sedation dentistry also helps patients gain the motivation needed to visit the dental clinic, especially if they were previously in the habit of deliberately postponing routine check-ups.
There are numerous ways in which IV sedation benefits severely anxious patients. From multiple wisdom teeth extractions to implant surgeries, from root canal treatments to root planning – dentists can perform just about any procedure while the patient peacefully rests in the dentist’s chair!
Understanding the price and the procedure
It is important to understand that how much sleep dentistry will cost depends upon the time required to complete the dental procedure. This gives anaesthesiologists an estimate of how much of the drug needs to be administered, and what method is most suitable for the patient. In Australia, the average cost of IV sedation can range anywhere between $850 and $1600.
In case of sleep dentistry, a professional has to be present at the clinic whose job is to monitor your vitals while the surgeons perform the treatment. This adds to the cost as well. Therefore, one can safely assume that for a short duration procedure, such as simple extraction of an impacted molar, the price will of course be much less as compared to that for multiple root canal procedures.
Sleep dentistry sedation administration
Sleep dentistry through IV sedation is performed by licensed anaesthesiologists at the dental clinic. This is necessary because when you are sedated, your vitals require constant monitoring. The administration involves the insertion of a tiny needle into a vein located at the back of your hand, or at your inner elbow.
Once the drug is injected into your system, you’ll start feeling light-headed, calm and drowsy. You’ll experience a feeling very similar to when you’re very, very sleepy. This is known as twilight sedation. Twilight sedation is a state in which you’re not neither unconscious, nor fully awake. You will however, be able to follow simple instructions from your dentist during the surgery, but you probably won’t remember any part of it once the effects of the drug start to subside. Your sleep dentistry cost covers the drug administration, as well as all the care you will receive at the clinic during the procedure.
IV Sedation benefits
Most dental procedures can be carried out using local anaesthesia or nerve blocks. IV sedation or twilight sedation is an option made available specifically with the needs of severely anxious patients in mind. We understand that there are many people who shudder at the mere thought of visiting a clinic, let alone sitting in a dental chair and getting a procedure done. For such patients, IV sedation is the perfect solution. Often combined with nitrous oxide, this form of sedation
Ensures that the patient will feel calm and comfortable throughout the surgery
Leaves little or no memory of the procedure with the patient once the anaesthesia wears off
Allows patients to calm down and forget all about their anxiety prior to the surgery
Does not leave any unpleasant memories of the treatment with the patient, helping them feel less anxious and more confident for the next time they visit the clinic
The IV Sedation also holds multiple benefits for the dental surgeons, the most prominent of them being the fact that they can perform surgery with no interruptions, and without worrying about the anaesthesia wearing off.
Preparing for IV Sedation, or Sleep Dentistry
With all the information including sleep dentistry cost and eligibility criteria in mind, once you decide to book an appointment, there are a few things you must keep in mind. Because the recovery period for twilight sedation is much longer than local anaesthesia, you’ll need a family member or friend to accompany you to the clinic on the day of your appointment. They can remain by your side while the effects of the drug wear off, and safely drive you home. There is no need to be concerned about having no memory of the procedure – this is one of the desirable effects of sleep dentistry. It will not alter your short-term or long-term memory in any other way. Rest assured that you are in safe hands, and the sedation method you have opted for is an FDA approved technique for highly effective management of anxious patients!
If you wish to learn more about sleep dentistry cost and procedures, feel free to get in touch with us.
