Dental Phobia Patients Benefit From Talking Therapy

Studies show that dental phobia, also referred to as dentophobia or odontophobia, is a common issue seen in 30 – 80% of the population. 

People with dental phobia experience a severe irrational fear of dental situations, leading to complete avoidance of dental care. Nearly 36% of people experience a fear of undergoing dental treatment. 

Whereas a significant number of people, nearly 12% of the population, experience extreme fear and anxiety that can result in worsening oral conditions.

CBT is the most effective psychological therapy that helps individuals with guided imagery and relaxation techniques to help them overcome their fears.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a goal-oriented psychotherapy designed to help individuals with mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders (BED), severe mental illness, and marital problems.

It has been considered more effective than any other behavioral therapy or psychiatric medication to improve functioning and quality of life. CBT helps you to be aware of the thinking patterns that are creating issues in your daily life. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is problem-oriented, concentrating on addressing specific issues in the present rather than exploring them. You work with a psychologist to set goals and practice new skills by attending a limited number of sessions. 

A therapist begins by discussing your current and past emotional and physical health to gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation. The relationship between your thoughts and feelings helps you view your situations more clearly and respond to them more positively. CBT is also used in conjunction with other therapies, treatments, or medications.

CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a number of mental health conditions, such as –

• Anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Phobias
• Schizophrenia
• Psychosis
• Insomnia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Binge eating disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

How CBT Helps With Emotional Challenges 

It helps individuals deal with emotional challenges by teaching practical skills to identify, challenge, and change negative thought patterns and behavior associated with emotional distress.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you manage overwhelming feelings or problems more positively by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. Unlike other treatments, CBT helps patients deal with their current problems rather than focusing on issues from the past. 

CBT helps to deal with negative thoughts and feelings by:

• Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
• Reducing symptoms of mental disorders
• Learning techniques to cope with stressful situations
• Ways to manage emotions
• Regulating emotional response
• Developing healthier behaviors
• Building coping skills
• Overcome any emotional trauma (abuse or violence)
• Deal with conflicts and improve communication skills
• Cope with loss or grief
• Managing mental disorders when medicines are not recommended

Can CBT Benefit Individuals With Dental Phobia

Negative experiences from the past and family history can lead to dental phobia. Significantly, most individuals with dental phobias benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. Research shows that CBT is highly effective in reducing dental anxiety and improving the ability to undergo dental procedures. 

CBT is recommended as the first-line, evidence-based treatment for dental phobias and can be adopted in both adults and children. In a randomized controlled trial, 73% of children who received CBT successfully managed all stages of dental procedures, compared to 13% in the control group. 

In a study, it was seen that 77% of patients who received CBT became regular dental attendees for years after the treatment. CBT enables most individuals to receive dental treatment without the need for sedation.

How CBT Helps People Overcome Dental Phobia

A therapist helps the patients identify and challenge negative, irrational beliefs. He will discuss your inner feelings and thoughts with you, trying to understand the causes of your fear and nervousness.

They may also work with you to identify what triggers your thoughts and how they can help redirect them as soon as they occur.

Other Ways To Manage Dental Phobia 

• Relative Analgesia

Also commonly known as happy gas or ‘laughing gas,’ it is primarily used to promote relaxation in patients. A mask is fitted on their face, allowing them to breathe nitrous oxide to reduce fear.

• Anxiety Relieving Medications 

Anxiety-relieving medications (anxiolytics) or benzodiazepines are commonly used for dental phobia. These medications help a person feel calm and relaxed before and during the procedure.

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Triazolam (Halcion)
• Temazepam
• Diazepam

A single dose is ingested approximately one hour before the start of the dental procedure.

• General Anesthesia

A dentist or an anesthesiologist typically administers local anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, a patient is fully asleep.

You may need to visit the dentist’s office before the treatment, and you may also need a post-operative visit. Some common side effects include nausea and a longer recovery time with sedation.

• Conscious Sedation

It involves administering medication through intravenous drips in the arms or hands. A dental sedationist or an anesthetist provides intravenous sedation. 

This twilight sedation helps you feel relaxed and may even cause you to fall into a light sleep, but you will still be able to respond to questions. Possible side effects of sedation include drowsiness and nausea after the procedure.

Tips To Ease Dental Phobia

Here are certain tips on how to ease your dental phobia:

• Ask a friend or a family member about their experience, and make an appointment with a verified dental professional. 
• Learn about their practices and be fully aware of the treatment procedure.
• Be sure to communicate with the dentist, as you are not the first patient to experience dental phobia.
• Ask your dentist to explain the treatment procedure in detail. 
• If you feel nervous before visiting the dentist, please let them know so they can make your experience more comfortable.

Key Takeaways

Visiting a dentist can be a daunting task if you have a dental phobia, and scheduling an appointment can be equally nerve-wracking and intimidating.

Here at Dacula Dental, we offer sedation dental treatment options to help you have a more comfortable and positive experience. Visiting a dentist is essential, even for those who have dental phobias.

Here at Dacula Dental, we offer a range of solutions, including sedation dentistry, to help you feel more comfortable during your dental procedures. For further information, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team.

                               “Conquer Your Fear, And Smile with Confidence”

FAQ’s

How common is dental phobia?

Very common. Studies show that up to 36% of people experience dental anxiety, and about 12% have an actual dental phobia. It affects people of all ages and often leads to skipped appointments, worsening oral health over time.

What are the symptoms of dental phobia?

People with dental phobia may experience:

Panic or crying before appointments

Sweating, rapid heartbeat, or nausea

Insomnia the night before a dental visit

Avoiding dentists for years

What is sedation dentistry, and is it safe?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It ranges from mild (like nitrous oxide) to deep sedation (IV or oral sedatives). It’s widely used for phobic patients and is considered safe when administered by trained professionals.