Afraid of the Big, Bad Dentist?

Dentophobia means fear of the dentist or of dental procedures. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) doesn’t maintain data on dentophobia. However, a 2005 national study conducted by University of Toronto researchers determined that over 16% of Canadians suffer from dental fear, and 7.6% are so fearful that they postpone or avoid treatment altogether.

Why do people fear the dentist?

Most people have some reason for their fear. Many have had a previous negative experience in a dental office, such as:

· Gagging during x-rays

· Hearing screaming while in the waiting room

· Incompetent dentists (not enough training in a procedure)

· Invasion of people’s personal space

· Loss of control of the situation

· Uncaring dentists (poor chairside manner)

· Unskilled dentists (not enough artistic or aesthetic ability)

· Insufficient anesthetic being given

People may also fear things typically associated with dentists like injections (needles) and drills. Trips to the dentist may cause some additional financial strain or loss of work time. Interestingly, Dr. Mark Slovin, an American specialist in dental anxiety, notes that fear of the dentist tends to run in families, which suggests that it is learned from parents.

Historically, dentistry and the attitudes surrounding it have changed enormously in recent years. Our grandparents typically took a “no pain, no gain” approach and expected to be in pain at their dentist’s office. Correspondingly, dentists used to be accustomed to causing a certain amount of pain. This has all changed.

Solutions to fear of the dentist

Modern dentistry tends to be a lot more sensitive to people’s fear and anxiety, and many dentists offer sedatives as well as local anesthetic. Technology has improved, patient education is more important, dental offices are often far more pleasant and comfortable, and lasers and computers have speeded up most procedures and reduced pain and noise. We can now take for granted:

· Dentists who listen to questions and answer them honestly

· Dentists who care about how we feel

· Better dentist education, including ongoing training

· Face-to-face communication

· Better patient education about their treatments so they are prepared

· More pain-free treatments due to today’s anesthetics and laser technology

· TV in the treatment rooms, movies on ceiling screens, and many music DVDs to listen to on headphones during treatments

· Sedation dentistry and even sleep dentistry in some facilities

· Extra anesthetic given if the original amount turns out to be insufficient

· In cosmetic dental offices: blankets, neck pillows, paraffin wax hand treatments, warm towels, refreshment bars, and other spa-like pampering

What can we ourselves do?

1. We can make dental visits be only for check-ups and cleaning, by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly and do what the dentist or hygienist recommends, e.g. use soft brushes, floss the right way etc. That would make dental work unnecessary. There need be no gum disease treatment, fillings, crowns, etc. because our natural teeth are remaining strong and healthy.

2. We can choose a dentist who has up-to-date equipment and attitudes. There is equipment that detects decay extremely early, making the necessary filling very small and easy. Lasers, dental anesthetic swabs, oral sedation – these things reduce or eliminate pain and reduce anxiety.

3. Explain your fears to your dentist. The biggest solution to dental fear is trust in your dentist.