
As much as we at NK Family Dental pride ourselves on providing a tranquil environment and friendly, compassionate care for every patient, we know that a visit to the dentist isn’t necessarily your ideal way to spend a day. But some people have feelings of dread and fear that go far beyond the feeling you’d rather be doing something more fun. Experiencing dental anxiety or its more severe form — dentophobia — can cause you to postpone — or never seek — necessary care. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are actually very different conditions, which need separate approaches to address and resolve. We’ll take a look at both, as well as the psychological tools to help ease the symptoms so you can get the treatment you need to maintain optimum oral health.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is stress or fear associated with a dental setting, its tools and its objects. Rejuvenated Dentistry recommends being aware of the following symptoms that people with dental anxiety may experience:
- Sweating.
- Racing heartbeat (tachycardia).
- Palpitations.
- Low blood pressure.
- Fainting (syncope).
- An upset stomach.
- Visible distress (crying, panicking).
- Withdrawal.
- Using humor or aggression to mask anxiety.
While symptoms present themselves physically, the reasons behind them vary with each individual. However, there are some common factors, which include the following:
A bad experience at the dentist — Those who experienced a painful dental procedure and/or a dentist who verbally expressed frustration with how they communicated their anxiety may continue to associate visits to the dentist with pain and negative emotions.
Fear of experiencing pain — Fear of pain during treatment is a leading cause of dental anxiety. Although today’s procedures are typically painless — including the injection of numbing anesthesia — certain people have a lower pain threshold, and may require a higher dose of anesthesia. For example, it is well-documented that people with naturally red hair have a low tolerance for pain, especially in the mouth. This is because people with red hair have a gene variant called melanocortin 1 receptor. One study that looked at individuals with this gene variant found redheads were much more likely to report dental fear and avoidance — most likely out of concern for numbing and pain.
Fear of hearing bad news — Even people who practice a conscientious oral care routine can feel apprehensive about what their upcoming regular examination may uncover. Those who are able to manage their anxiety well enough to keep appointments have the advantage of catching tooth decay and/or periodontal (gum) disease in the early stages. However, those with a higher level of anxiety may put off making regular appointments, waiting until symptoms of disease become too painful to ignore.
Fear of loss of autonomy during treatment — Those who have this type of anxiety fear that they will have no control during the procedure. This may be based on past experience with dentists who ignored their attempts to signal pain or discomfort. It also is common for those who have experienced trauma or abuse to feel vulnerable and powerless while undergoing treatment in the dentist’s chair.
Other conditions — Additional conditions can include previous trauma to the head/neck, agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where you feel you cannot escape), claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), in which there is an obsession with cleanliness.
Differences Between Dental Anxiety and Dentophobia
Anxiety refers to a sense of uneasiness, with exaggerated or unfounded fears. A phobia is much more debilitating, characterized by intense fear or panic, causing extreme distress and avoidance that interferes with daily life. According to studies, approximately 10% of U.S. adults struggle with dentophobia (also known as odontophobia), while around 75% experience some level of dental anxiety.
According to Cleveland Clinic, dentophobia is a specific type of phobia in which the idea or anticipation of going to the dentist leads to a fearful response. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes dentophobia as a specific phobic disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
People who have this type of phobia will avoid seeing a dentist even when their neglect of oral health results in advanced tooth decay, periodontal disease or a potentially life-threatening infection. Ironically, such behavior results in more extensive treatment eventually being necessary — that is, the worst-case-scenario the patient so greatly feared becoming reality because the course of decay or disease has progressed too far. Our blog post — “Dealing with Dental Anxiety” — covers this topic in greater detail.
There is a spectrum of dental anxiety and phobia. A person at the extreme of the phobia spectrum may never see a dentist. Those with a high degree of dental anxiety may be able to schedule and keep an appointment, but might not sleep the night before — or feel (or become) physically ill while in the waiting room. People who have a mild-to-moderate level of anxiety are able to rationalize the necessity of dental care to their oral and general health — as well as their physical appearance — as the motivation to manage their fear and go through with it.
Ways to Manage Dental Anxiety
As mentioned earlier, dentophobia is a phobic disorder. As such, you cannot “talk yourself out of it.” Counseling by a licensed mental health professional will be the most effective way to help you address and constructively manage dentophobia (or any phobic disorder). This could also be a beneficial option for those with a high level of dental anxiety that triggers such distressful physical symptoms as a racing heartbeat, vomiting, etc.
Whatever the cause of your dental anxiety, the right dental team will make sure you are comfortable, heard and well cared for throughout the course of your appointments, examinations and treatments. Dr. Nilofer Khan — owner and General Dentist at NK Family Dental — focuses on easing the fears of patients dealing with anxiety. She will talk with you about the exam or procedure you have scheduled, answer your questions to your satisfaction, and provide a supportive, calming environment throughout the treatment.
The American Dental Association (ADA) provides the following advice on managing dental anxiety.
Speak up — Talk to your dentist and dental team about your feelings of anxiety. When you schedule your appointment, let the receptionist know that you’re nervous about dental visits. Remind the dentist and staff about your anxiety when you arrive. Also, tell the dentist if you have a low pain threshold, so the level of local anesthetic can be adjusted accordingly. Agree on a hand signal if you need to take a break during the exam or procedure.
Distract yourself — The ADA recommends bringing headphones to listen to your favorite music or audiobook. NK Family Dental provides movies with headphones to enjoy during treatment.
Use mindfulness techniques — Deep breathing exercises have been proven to help ease anxiety. The ADA recommends the following techniques:
- Count your breaths. Inhale slowly and then exhale for the same number of counts. Do this five times while you’re waiting for your appointment, or during breaks while in the dental chair.
- Do a “body scan.” Concentrate on relaxing your muscles, one body part at a time. Start with your head, and work your way down to your toes. For example, you can focus on releasing tension starting in your forehead, then your cheeks, neck, and down the rest of your body.
Communication with your dentist is essential in alleviating dental anxiety. Unfortunately, not all dentists are skilled in treating anxious patients. This is why scheduling a consultation is important. When meeting the dentist in person or during a virtual consultation, you’ll be able to tell his or her attitude toward anxious patients. If you get a sense that the dentist is impatient or dismissive of your fears, keep looking!
The Take-Home Message
Dental anxiety is a common condition that can be managed to alleviate emotional discomfort — which sometimes presents itself as physical discomfort — so that you can visit the dentist to restore and maintain your oral health. Dentophobia is a specific type of phobia that is much more severe than dental anxiety, and should be addressed with the guidance of a licensed mental health professional. Choosing a dentist who has the experience and ability to effectively communicate with anxious patients is essential in taking the first steps in relieving dental anxiety and making visits a positive experience.
At NK Family Dental, we strive to provide a calm, reassuring environment that puts every patient at ease. It is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.
Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.
We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!
We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.
Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!