Dentophobia
Toothache is the pain of the world.
Ludwik II Bawarski
Dentophobia, or fear of the dentist, is a type of fear that makes it difficult or even impossible to decide to visit the dentist’s office. Its causes usually lie in negative experiences from the past, fear of pain or a feeling of helplessness and lack of control during the procedure.
Patients affected by dentophobia, usually children and men, feel anxious about visiting the dentist, even though they are usually aware that their fears are unfounded and disproportionate to the risk.
The anxiety experienced can take many forms, ranging from mild unease to complete terror and even panic. The stress hormones produced by the body in such situations further intensify the feeling of fear by lowering pain tolerance.
Ways to overcome dentophobia
We believe that every patient should be given the maximum amount of time, knowledge and experience. Patients suffering from dentophobia should be given even more, especially at the initial stage of treatment.
We have a proven track record of success in combating dental phobia. Some of our patients even take a nap during treatment. From a medical point of view, this is a sign of stress relief and complete relaxation.
We offer you:
An individual approach and excellent communication with the patient
During the first visit, we conduct a detailed interview with the patient, get to know each other, and discuss your fears, needs, and expectations.
After the check-up, we prepare an individual treatment plan proposal, discuss several options in detail, and set a schedule for possible treatment and a cost estimate.
During treatment, we will also keep you informed about all the steps we take to minimise any feelings of uncertainty. Lack of knowledge about treatment is often a source of unnecessary tension.
A guarantee of safety – the certainty that you are in good hands
Our team consists of professionals – we care about your comfort and safety. Treatments are performed using the “four hands” system, which has a positive impact on the quality of services and shortens the duration of treatment.
A family atmosphere
When designing our clinic, we tried to move as far away as possible from the stereotypical look of a doctor’s office. There are no white tiles on the floor or walls, and our doctors do not wear white coats.
We have created a cosy atmosphere. Patients wait for their appointments on comfortable leather sofas in an air-conditioned room, enjoying aromatic coffee and tea. We have built an aquarium with beautiful fish into the wall. The air is filled with the scent of essential oils, and relaxing music flows from the speakers.
SleeperOne – “computer anaesthesia”
This device enables the microprocessor-controlled electronic administration of anaesthetic. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the needle prick itself that causes pain. The real cause of pain when administering traditional anaesthesia with a syringe and needle is the stretching of the tissues. The anaesthetic fluid is injected under pressure, which “pushes” the tissues apart and is felt as pain of varying intensity. The SleeperOne system computerises the analysis of tissue resistance and adjusts the pressure of the anaesthetic administration so that it does not exceed the pain threshold. This makes the entire anaesthesia administration process short and stress-free.
The use of the SleeperOne device is particularly recommended when administering anaesthesia to children and people who are sensitive to pain and afraid of injections.
Inhalation sedation – light sedation (laughing gas)
Inhalation sedation is a very gentle method of enhancing the effect of an anaesthetic using so-called laughing gas (a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide). It has been used for many years in dentistry and many other fields of medicine, e.g. in obstetrics (gynaecology) during childbirth.
Sedation with laughing gas can be described as a state of physical relaxation, pleasant drowsiness, while the patient remains conscious and retains basic reflexes. These properties give rise to the colloquial name of the agent – laughing gas.
Inhalation sedation is mainly used in the treatment of children and adults who experience anxiety about dental treatment (known as dentophobia). It is particularly recommended for the treatment of patients suffering from asthma, epilepsy, haemophilia, heart disease and hypertension. When inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a special mask, the patient calms down and is more willing to follow the doctor’s instructions. The agent stops working almost immediately after the mask is removed from the patient’s nose. After the procedure, during a few minutes of breathing pure oxygen, the remaining nitrous oxide is effectively removed from the body.
At the ARTIMEDICA Holistic Centre for Implantology, Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, we understand that anyone may feel uncomfortable at the thought of dental treatment, which is why we pay close attention to even the smallest details.
Zalecenia dla pacjentów z oznakami dentofobii i nie tylko
Please remember that we can solve all problems… but only together! 🙂
- Before the actual visit, it is a good idea to make an appointment for an introductory visit, during which we will get to know each other and talk openly about your fears, needs and expectations. There is no shame in being afraid of the dentist.
- It is best to choose a day for your dental appointment when you do not have any important matters to attend to that could be an additional source of stress.
- Avoid rushing, which can cause unnecessary tension.
- We recommend a positive attitude towards the appointment – that’s half the battle.
- Before your appointment, we recommend eating something sweet – glucose improves your mood. However, it is important to remember to brush your teeth thoroughly before the examination (you can do this at our clinic using free disposable toothbrushes).