Dental anxiety is a common yet often misunderstood condition across London that can significantly affect a person’s oral health and overall wellbeing. In fact, around 36% of the population experience some level of fear or anxiety around visiting the dentist, with approximately 12% experiencing extreme dental fear, according to the British Dental Journal.
So what can be done to help those who feel nervous or fearful about dental treatment?
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can stem from a variety of sources. For some, it may be linked to a previous negative experience, such as pain during treatment or a feeling of not being in control. Others may feel embarrassed about the condition of their teeth or anxious about potential diagnoses.
A fear of needles, the sound of drills or even the clinical environment of a dental surgery can all contribute to heightened anxiety. Additionally, for some individuals, dental anxiety is part of a broader experience of generalised anxiety or phobia, and may be connected to psychological or emotional trauma.
How Does Dental Anxiety Affect Oral Health?
Avoiding dental visits due to fear can have serious consequences. Delaying or skipping appointments often leads to the worsening of dental issues such as gum disease, decay or infections. These problems are usually easier and less invasive to treat when caught early.
This can create a harmful cycle where anxiety leads to avoidance, and avoidance leads to more complex, uncomfortable treatments in the future.
What Support Is Available for Nervous Dental Patients?
Fortunately, there are several approaches to help patients manage their dental anxiety, ranging from communication and therapeutic support to medical options like sedation.
1. Communication and Trust-Building
Dentists experienced in working with nervous patients often begin by building a strong rapport and fostering open communication. Simply being listened to, having treatment explained in detail and feeling in control can significantly reduce anxiety levels.
2. Therapeutic Support
Therapy can play a crucial role in helping individuals manage dental fear. Psychological approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety by challenging unhelpful thought patterns and gradually building coping strategies for managing dental visits.
For some patients, therapy may help uncover deeper fears and provide tools to manage them not only at the dentist, but in other areas of life as well.
3. Sedation Options for Nervous Patients
For individuals whose anxiety remains high despite psychological support, sedation dentistry can provide a practical solution. Options include:
- Inhalation sedation: A mild form of sedation that helps patients feel calm and relaxed.
- Oral sedation: Tablets taken before treatment to reduce anxiety.
- IV sedation: A deeper form of sedation delivered intravenously, allowing the patient to remain conscious but deeply relaxed, with little memory of the procedure.
These methods are administered by trained professionals and are safe for most patients, especially when managed within a comprehensive care plan.
How Can You Take the First Step?
If you are someone who experiences dental anxiety, know that you are not alone and that support is available. Begin by speaking with a dentist who has experience with nervous patients or consider speaking to a therapist to explore your fears in more depth.
With the right combination of understanding, professional support and treatment options, it is entirely possible to restore confidence and comfort in your dental care journey.
Final Thoughts
Dental anxiety can be overwhelming, but it does not have to control your health. Through communication, therapeutic support and sedation where appropriate, patients can receive the care they need in a way that feels safe and manageable. The key is to take that first step towards both emotional and dental wellbeing.
