By Emil M. Verban Jr., DDS
According to some estimates, up to 20% of people avoid the dentist due to fear and anxiety. Dental phobia is one of the biggest challenges that keep people from getting good health care.
Though it may not seem like a serious problem to those who think dental care is a breeze, it is actually a very serious problem among those affected by the phobia.
The condition is more common among younger people and among women. This is essentially a psychological and behavioral issue, but it easily becomes a physical problem once the person starts experiencing dental problems and is not able to seek proper treatment.
Most cases of phobia are triggered by any dental experience that is severely painful to the point of being traumatic. This is further reinforced by negative experiences or comments that they hear from other people. Some cases are also attributed to dentists who are indifferent and insincere about the patient’s fear.
I have found that it is helpful for patients if we can first isolate the specific fear. I simply ask patients, “What is it exactly, that you are afraid of?” In many cases patients can actually help themselves cope with the problem. So, if you’re a patient, see if some of these techniques can help:
- Distracting yourself. While you are being treated you can do mental games so that you don’t think about what’s going on. This can be as simple as counting in multiples of 7 or 11. Or you can do word games.
- Distancing. This is a mental technique in which you tell yourself that the sensation is something else.
- Praying. A very long prayer can really distract your mind. For example, if you’re a Catholic you can pray the rosary during treatment.
- Self-encouragement. This is a common technique among athletes and other performers, when they tell themselves to be strong.
- Optimism. You tell yourself that everything will be alright in the end. You can perhaps imagine the good things that will happen, such as having nice straight teeth when you leave the dental office.
If you’ve tried various techniques to cope with your fear and you are still afraid to go to the dentist, then sedation dentistry can help. Sedation dentistry is very safe and benefits patients who suffer from dental anxiety. There are four types of sedation that can be used during a dental visit.
- Nitrous oxide
- IV sedation
- Oral sedative
- General anesthesia
When it comes to overcoming dental fears, you can’t just rely on others to help. You have to do your part and help yourself as well.
For more information about sedation dentistry or to schedule a dental check-up, you may contact Emil Verban Jr., DDS at 309-662-8448 or visit www.mcleancountydental.com. McLean County Dental is located at 2103 E. Washington Street in Bloomington. Dr. Dr. Verban provides his patients both general dentistry expertise and the ability to provide other specialized services such as cosmetic procedures and dental implants.