Causes of dental anxiety and phobia
other traumatic experiences, including abuse. generalised anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. the view that the mouth is a personal area and accessing the mouth is an invasion of personal space. fear of loss of control.
Traumatic experiences may include being afraid of going to the dentist as a child, having dental procedures performed without your consent or having a procedure that caused pain or complications. Traumatic history: A history of abuse, such as bullying, child abuse or sexual violence, can lead to dentophobia.
The most commonly prescribed dental related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan.
Your dentist can tell. During routine dental examinations and cleanings, dentists can detect oral symptoms of stress, including orofacial pain, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ), mouth sores and gum disease.
Take two tablets of Valium before going to bed (night before procedure). Take three tables of Valium one hour before your scheduled appointment. DO NOT have any alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs the day before and day of procedure.
Dental fear is defined as a negative reaction to specific threatening stimuli associated with dental treatment, whereas dental anxiety is an excessive or impairing negative emotional state experienced by dental patients [1,2].
Dental phobia is very similar to dental anxiety in that it shows itself in the same manner. However, dental phobia is much more severe and can lead to one to not want to visit the dentist under any circumstance. Sufferers also tend to understand the fear is irrational.
Stress can lead to teeth grinding.
This can be quite problematic for your oral health—particularly your teeth and jawbone. Nighttime teeth grinders can wear down their dental enamel and cause a lot of damage. It can also cause TMJ syndrome, which is characterized by pain in the jaw and face.
Conscious sedation dentistry is implemented using laughing gas or oral pharmaceuticals to reduce feelings of pain and anxiety, and is used commonly to treat dental anxiety.
According to researchers, anywhere between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe. More than 20% of dentally anxious patients do not see a dentist regularly, and anywhere from 9 to 15% of anxious patients avoid care altogether.
Those with anxiety are also prone to hyperawareness, and that means that on occasion their teeth may feel like there are more problems than those without anxiety. For example, some people report that during an anxiety attack they feel as though their teeth are loosening or in pain.
When you haven't been to the dentist in years, there's a chance you'll need additional dental work like fillings or periodontal treatment. Check to see what your policy covers so you'll be prepared for any additional expenses. Dental insurance networks change periodically too.
The best thing to do if you're afraid of a dentist (because of bad teeth) is to find a compassionate dental team that co-plans your care alongside you, rather than pushes you into treatments you don't feel comfortable with.
Many people fear the dentist due to common misconceptions. Many people imagine specific dental procedures, such as root canals or extractions, as being very painful.
Crying or feeling the desire to cry is extremely common when you are experiencing high levels of anxiety. Pay attention to your emotions when you are thinking about a visit to the dental office.
Can Dentists tell if you have depression? Dentists are trained to look for signs of depression, but they are not mental health professionals. However, some telltale signs may indicate that a person is struggling with depression. For example, people who are depressed may have trouble taking care of their teeth.
Distract yourself
Try some of these strategies: Bring your earbuds, and listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook. Listen to guided meditations — there are some that specifically focus on anxiety, fear, and pain. Hold a fidget toy, or squeeze a stress ball.
Typically, the dosage of diazepam for anxiolytic effects in adults is 5–10 mg. In this case, the generally recommended dosage according to the in-office sedation guidelines of the American Dental Association on diazepam was used, and no additional dose was required [7].
Medications to reduce dental anxiety
Your dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), that you can take one hour before a scheduled dental visit. Your dentist may also recommend conscious sedation, such as nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”), which can help calm nerves.
Oral sedation
Diazepam is typically taken in pill form with or without food and becomes effective in approximately an hour. It is safe for many patients and can help make you feel calm during dental treatment. Other effects of diazepam can include: Drowsiness.
Dentists probably aren't even aware of whether patients have their eyes open or closed, or if they have one eye open and one eye closed. All that really matters is that dentists keep their eyes open. And get a good night's sleep before using that drill.
Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, relaxes all but the most stressed patients, as can oral sedation, where the patient takes a small dose of an oral sedative. In cases of extreme anxiety, or for extremely long and/or complex procedures, the dentist could also administer IV sedation.