Dentists in Minnesota
Understanding and Overcoming Fear - Phobia - in Dentistry
Teeth are one of the most sensitive parts of our body. This is not surprising as the sense of touch and sensitivity within teeth is essential for all animals to differentiate non-food from food. While necessary for our survival, this beneficial sensitivity can become problematic during a toothache.
It is not uncommon for individuals who have had various types of surgeries to fear dental procedures above all else. Prior negative experiences with a dentist can create severe anxiety over necessary dental work. The key to eliminating the fear is to give patients control over the dental environment and reduce, if not eliminate, any pain that may arise during and/or after dental treatments.
This common issue of fear is often greatest in those individuals who are physically or professionally powerful (such as an athlete or successful executive), because they are often in control of their environment. These people usually have the most difficulty giving up that control, and consequently experience the most dental related fear.
In order to help our fearful patients deal with their anxiety, we often grant them input over what we do, how we do it, when we do it, what it will look like, how much it will cost, and how it will function. In giving our patients control, and educating them about their dental care, our patients acquire a great deal of understanding about their treatment and become much more comfortable with the process.
Patients are also in control of any possibility of pain during and after a procedure. If a patient feels any pain or discomfort during a treatment we stop until all sensation of pain has vanished. To reduce pain and anxiety we often use nitrous oxide (laughing) gas during procedures. If necessary, we can also prescribe Valium for our anxious new patients during their initial series of visits. This is usually all that is needed to allow most phobic patients to overcome their dental fear.
For those who desire minimum awareness during their procedure, we offer intravenous conscious sedation. This can be performed by one of our oral surgeons for minor procedures (such as tooth extractions), or an MD-anesthesiologist is available for major procedures (such as jaw reconstructions).
Phobic dental patients can overcome their fears with the right dentist!
--Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman, Director
NYCdentist.com
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