DENTAL PHOBIA:
Dental phobia is defined as an unpleasant mental, emotional, or physiologic sensation derived from a specific dental related stimulus.
Fear of the dentist is a common phenomenon and is universally recognized.
REASONS FOR DENTAL FEAR:
Reasons for dental fear is complex and multi factorial
Dental fear may appear at any age.
Patients younger than 40 yrs of age are more fearful than those who are over 40.
No differences among socioeconomic groups or racial / ethnic groups have been demonstrated.
Females are more fearful than males.
- Previous bad experience
- Heard of bad experiences from family or friends.
- History of abuse
- Uncaring dentist
- Post -traumatic stress
DIFFERENT PHOBIAS RELATED TO DENTISTRY:
1.Fear of unknown
It is a phenomenon in which the patients do not wish to accept or meet with anything unfamiliar in terms of any situation.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
In such patients first visit counseling and tell show do technique is advised.
2.Fear of dental procedures
3.Sensitive gag reflex
People with a sensitive gag reflex may loathe (dislike) the part of the dentist's visit where those tabs are put in the mouth for the dental X-ray.
These days, newer dentist offices offer panoramic X-rays.
4.Fear of loud noise
Dental tools can be really loud, and the noise can stir up fear in some people.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
Wear earplugs
Noise cancelling head plugs to block out sound
5.Feeling uncomfortable lying back in a dentists chair
Some people may be uncomfortable with something as simple as lying back in the dentist's chair, due to a bad back or some control issues.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
A simple remedy may be for the dentist to only put the patient half-back so that it's more comfortable or can provide with supporting pillows.
6.Unable to breath through nose
Mouth breathers have phobia that they wont be able to breathe during their dental treatment.
HOW TO OVERCOME:
Nasal strips to help them breathe
Nitrous oxide to relax the patient. 
7.Fear due to previous bad experiences
Change in fear perception with age:
- The expression and intensity of child's fear varies with emotions, illness and age.
- Sleepy child shows more fear and irritation than widely awake child.
- Physically healthy child respond more actively than child who is week.
- Mentally alert child respond more intelligently and rapidly than mentally retarded individual.
2-3 Years:
- Right time to introduce child to dentistry.
- Less afraid of new people and surroundings.
- Appropriate time to begin any preventive procedures.
3-4 Years:
- Fear of separation and abandonment prevails in this age group.
- They think and feel that dentistry is a mode of punishment.
- It is advised to allow parents in the operatory during dental treatment
4 years:
- The peak of definite fears is reached
4-6 years:
- There is gradual decline in the earliest fears, due to
- Realization that there is nothing to fear
- Adult guidance
7 Years:
- Child tries to resolve real fears.
- Family support is important in understanding and overcoming his fears
8-14 Years:
- Learns to tolerate unpleasant situation and has marked desire to be obedient.
Teenage:
- Become concerned about their appearance
- Dentist as motivation for seeking dental attention can use this interest in cosmetic effect.
Chronic fear leads to
- Tiredness
- Difficulty in sleeping and bad dreams
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Avoidance of tension producing stimulation
Delivery of care to the fearful patient:
Distraction:
Music is a common distraction technique for use in the dental office.
Some dentists provide individual headsets that allow patients to select the music of their choice.
Relaxation:
Deep breathing exercises help to reduce this unwanted stress and consist of as little as 2 to 4 minutes of breathing deeply in , holding the breath and then exhaling completely.
Hypnosis:
Hypnosis is a guided, self-controlled state of mind in which concentration and focus are directed inward.
Pharmacologic intervention:
- Conscious sedation
- Deep sedation
- General anesthesia
Tips to remove the dental phobia:
- You should discuss your fears with your dentist therefore, he/she will determine the best ways to prevent your uneasiness and feel more comfortable.
- If the dentist doesn't handle your fear seriously, you should go to another dentist.
- You should actively participate with your dentist, explaining all the possible outcome on every sage of the procedure therefore, you will avoid nervousness or fear . because you will be much prepared for the results.
- Dentist frequently ask the patient for permission to continue.
- Dentist give the opportunity to the patient to stop the procedure at any time the patient feels uncomfortable ( if for an reason they need to stop, raise your left hand)
- Dentist make time for breaks as requested.
To overcome DENTAL PHOBIA Contact us @
GUMS AND TEETH LASER AND DENTAL IMPLANT CENTER @
ADDRESS : Perumbakkam Main Road,
Medavakkam,Chennai-100
LANDMARK : Behind MSM food court
Perumbakkam.
MAIL ID : care@gumsandteeth.in
Also check us out at www.gumsandteeth.in
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