Anxiety is a future- oriented state responding to an anticipated threat, which is different from fear, a present-oriented, emotional state responding to an immediate threat.
Dental care-related anxiety is a worldwide challenge in oral healthcare and refers to “a more cognitively involved emotional response of the patient to experiences associated with dental treatment”.
The level of anxiety an individual experience in relation to dental treatment is likely to vary from person to person. Recent clinical studies concluded that, high-DA patients reported more pain during and after dental treatment, compared to low-DA patients. Additionally, a high-DA patient would perceive stronger anxiety before treatment, regardless of the type of the dental procedure that he\she has visited for.
MOST FREQUENT REASONS FOR DENTAL ANXIETY
- “Over-Expectancy” of Pain
- Fear of shots / needles
- Experienced traumatic dental treatments during childhood dental visits
- Scary dental accounts of others
- Negative perceptions about the dentist
- Loss of control & fear of the unknown
- A gagging or vomiting reflex
- Drilling sounds/ White coats and dental instruments
IMPACT OF DENTAL ANXIETY ON THE DENTAL TEAM
Dealing with patients who are anxious about dental treatment has been reported as a source of stress for the dental team as well!
This impact may occur both through the additional time requirements in order to implement care and coping strategies for an individual who is anxious, as well as the interpersonal stress of working with someone who is in distress and may have a very negative perceptions of your role is in itself stressful.
IMPACT OF DENTAL ANXIETY ON PATIENT
Consequently both, regular professional cleanings and regular dental check-ups, which are essential for the prevention of dental and gum diseases, are omitted. As a result, this leads to a vicious cycle for the pain suffering dental anxious patient: The stronger the complaints and the more psychological strain, the greater becomes the fear of the inevitable visit to the dentist. This cycle ultimately leads to a Poorer Oral Hygiene, Elevated levels of embarrassment, impaired social functioning (smiling in social situations etc.) and impaired quality of life.
VICIOUS CYCLE OF DENTAL ANXIETY
DENTAL ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
- Find the right dentist. The right dentist can make all the difference.
- Schedule appointments for a time when you are not rushed or stressed.
- Arrive early.
- Build a rapport and trust in your dentist! (We are here to serve you after all!)
- Interactive Discussion- Learn more about what is going to happen at your dental visit by asking detailed questions about the treatment
- Share the control over the situation with your clinician- (usually the raising of a hand) which signals that the patient wishes the clinician to stop treatment for a period of time.
- Decreasing vigilance and attending to the more positive aspects of dental care.
- Attention shifting or distraction – you can bring your virtual reality along!
- Listen to music during treatment
Discuss your dental anxiety concerns with us at CLOVER MEDICAL CENTRE, and allow us to work with you to develop a treatment plan to help put your fears to rest while allowing you to receive the BEST dental care you need.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY
CALL US ON 0585506444
