All the things you need to know about Gentle Dentist in Melbourne – Best Phobic-friendly Dentist
What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
There are various reasons why people feel dental anxiety or dental phobia; some of the most common causes include:
- 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.
Click Here To See why we are voted Best Dentist in Melbourne by online Review »
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.
Click Here To See why we are voted Best Dentist in Melbourne by online Review »
There are several methods available to help you overcome your fears while dental treatment is being done.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
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.
ORAL SEDATION
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.
INHALATION SEDATION
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.
Click Here To See why we are voted Best Dentist in Melbourne by online Review »
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.
Click Here To See why we are voted Best Dentist in Melbourne by online Review »
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.
