Lucky you, fear of a dentist is a curable phobia!

Phobia is defined as a limited fear of certain objects, situations or activities, something unknown. In the so-called sphere of dental phobia, the most intense is the feeling of fear of the dentist (white coat), which occurs in children and adults. Such persons are panicked by the dentist and avoid visits and procedures until a mental and physical problem arises that the patient cannot cope with on their own. This syndrome has three components: anticipation of anxiety, fear itself and avoidant behavior by which a person reduce anxiety.

In specific phobias, the fear is usually not from the object, situation or activity itself, but from some terrible outcome.

FEAR OF PAIN

The patient may have a low pain tolerance threshold or have imagined that it will hurt him to a greater extent. Nowadays, there are several options for pain relief: the patient may receive regional and local anesthesia, and following the procedure the patient may take pain relief medications.

FEAR OF THE NEEDLE OR THE SOUND OF THE DRILL

The patient may be afraid of the drill (sound) or the needle due to previous bad experiences. Local anesthesia in the form of a spray can be applied to the injection site so that the patient does not feel the injection and to distract him during the injection. The annoying sound of the drill can be reduced by using headphones on your ears and listening to pleasant music.

BAD PAST EXPERIENCE

Often patients have traumatic childhood experiences or bad experiences from another practice. During the first examination in the conversation, the patients should be allowed to express their fears so that the doctor could pay attention to it during therapy.

FEELING OF SHAME FOR THE SITUATION IN THE MOUTH

The patient may have a fear associated with shame over neglected teeth, worrying that the dentist does not criticize him. It is important to let the patient know that an experienced dentist has already seen different situations and nothing is foreign to him, and there is a solution for everything.

CONCERN OVER THE COST OF THE THERAPY

The patient may delay a visit to the dentist because of the high costs that his insurance does not cover. It should be borne in mind that delaying simple procedures may result in increased costs.

SAVJETI KAKO PREVLADATI STRAHOVE

• Identify and appreciate your fear, when you become aware of exactly what you are afraid of, you can start working on a solution.
• Choose a dentist who will listen to you and respect your fears and with whom you will feel comfortable.
• When you make an appointment, emphasize your fears and ask that the first examination be just a conversation and meeting with a dentist.
• Take someone close to you, someone you trust and who is not afraid.
• Ask for an appointment in the morning so that you have as little time as possible to think about your fear.
• Ask your dentist to refer you to the following procedures.
• Familiarize yourself with the apparatus and instruments used by the dentist.
• Ask that the conditions in the office be adapted to you (fresh air, appropriate chair position, music, etc.).
• Request a break in progress if you need it.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and eat healthy so that you have less caries.