“I constantly experience anxiety when going to the dentist. I worry that he’ll tell me I have to have more teeth removed–and the antiseptic smell of the office turns my stomach!”
—Carrie A.
If you dread lying back in a dentist’s chair while someone sticks pointy tools in your mouth, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 16% of Australians are afraid of going to the dentist; some are so terrified, they skip dental care entirely.
What is dentophobia?
In many cases, dental anxiety (dentophobia) is based on a prior difficult experience of pain at the dentist, such as having had teeth extracted in childhood, says clinical psychologist Sam Von Reiche.
Dental anxiety may be passed down from parents, and fear of the unknown also plays a part. “Patients may be worried about getting a scary diagnosis, and they worry about the amount of pain they might feel,” says dentist Dr Tricia Quartey. But she points out that when you put off dental check ups, the delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to more serious issues.
How to manage dentophobia
Consider hypnosis
A recent review found that hypnosis, either with a therapist or through a recorded script, may be helpful for easing the anxiety of a dental appointment.
Search for a gentle dentist
Google “dentist for anxious patients,” and you should be able to find a provider near you who is trained to work with people who have dental anxiety. Many of these dentists will offer “sedation dentistry,” in which they use nitrous oxide or a sedative pill to help you relax in a form of “twilight sleep”.
Meet with the dentist beforehand
Ask for a brief meeting or a virtual visit before your appointment to discuss your concerns and what you need to feel more comfortable. You can agree to a hand signal to communicate any feelings of pain or anxiety while you’re unable to speak, Quartey suggests.
Create a calming soundscape
If the sounds of dental instruments are triggering to you, bring headphones or earbuds for listening to your soothing music to cover scary noises like the drill and the whooshing of cleaning tools. Many dental offices have televisions to help you relax, too. Pop on your favourite show and try to focus on it.
Newsletter
