Dentophobia is also known as the fear of the dentist. People with a dentist phobia feel extreme anxiety and apprehension when thinking about going to the dentist or during a dental visit. Certain traumas experienced in the past or during childhood, a family history, or environmental factors can cause the fear of the dentist. The treatment for commonly observed dentist fear is planned individually. Generally, exposure therapy, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques are used to improve and treat this disorder.
Most phobias are actually seen as a type of anxiety disorder. They cause excessive fear of an event or situation that would not normally cause any harm. Individuals with a dentist phobia may experience serious dental problems if they delay their dental treatments. Therefore, it is a phobia that needs to be treated.
What Causes Dentophobia (Fear of the Dentist)?
Many different factors can be among the causes of dentophobia. While the fear of needles is among the common causes of this condition, he may feel excessively anxious at the thought of receiving a gum injection and may resort to avoiding and postponing this situation. In addition to these, factors that may cause fear of the dentist can be listed as follows:
Family history: Having a family member with a phobic disorder or anxiety disorder increases the risk of having the phobia. Genetic factors may be among the causes of this condition.
Traumas: Some traumatic events experienced during childhood, such as violence, abuse, or bullying, can cause the emergence of fear of the dentist.
Environmental Factors: Fear of the dentist starts in childhood in most individuals. He may acquire this type of phobia due to frightening stories he hears from his family, surroundings, or relatives. Additionally, some parents may instill going to the dentist as a fear to their children as a method of punishment.
Besides these, feeling excessive pain or agony during the treatment of a dental condition that arose in past periods or childhood can lead to this type of phobia. The basis of fears usually begins in childhood.
What Are the Symptoms of Dentophobia (Fear of the Dentist)?
The levels of fear experienced by individuals with a dentist phobia can vary from mild to extreme. The fears felt can cause certain physical and emotional symptoms on him. Symptoms of dentophobia can be listed as follows:
- Crying after the thought of going to the dentist
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Trembling
- Dizziness and loss of consciousness
- Excessive sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach ailments such as indigestion
Risk Factors for Dentophobia (Fear of the Dentist)
There are certain risk factors that can trigger a fear of the dentist. When he faces certain situations, he may be overly anxious and worried. Being present at a dental examination and having bad experiences can lead to the emergence of fears. Factors such as seeing the instruments used in dental examination and treatment, and seeing the dentist for someone who has a fear of the dentist's chair and the doctor can act as triggers.
Additionally, this fear can be seen in individuals who have one of the different types of phobias; and the risk of it being seen is higher in individuals with specific conditions such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or substance use disorder.
Complications of Dentophobia (Fear of the Dentist)
Individuals who experience an intense fear of the dentist avoid going to the dentist even when they have dental problems, and this situation causes the deterioration of oral and dental health. The complications that this condition can cause are:
- Decayed teeth
- Gum (periodontal) disease
- Heart disease (coronary artery disease)
- Tooth loss
- Pneumonia and respiratory infections
How is Dentophobia (Fear of the Dentist) Diagnosed?
Since feelings of fear and anxiety surrounding dentists and dental treatments are a common occurrence, many people may not realize that the symptoms he experiences are abnormal. While he may experience intense anxiety and worry during a dentist visit, this condition can be diagnosed by the dentist or different specialists.
The dentist may refer him to a psychologist or mental health specialist. The health specialist examines the complaints, experiences, and symptoms he experiences to assess the impact of the phobia on his daily life.
Certain questions are asked by the health specialist, and there are points of attention. These are; triggers, the type of symptoms encountered, the frequency and severity of the symptoms, and how much it affects his daily life.
The conditions required for the diagnosis of dentophobia are as follows:
- The fears experienced are excessive, abnormal, and recurrent. They may arise in the event of thinking about going to the dentist, visiting, or watching a video related to this subject
- Exposure to dentists or dental treatments leads to an immediate anxiety response in most cases
- Avoiding going to the dentist when dental treatment is mandatory, experiencing excessive fear, worry, and distress
- The fears experienced lasting for at least 6 months
Treatment of Dentophobia (Fear of the Dentist)
There are several different treatment options for dentophobia treatment. However, not everyone with a dentist phobia needs treatment. If the symptoms experienced are mild and do not significantly affect daily life and health, treatment may not be necessary.
In addition, treatment may be recommended for individuals who do not receive dental treatment due to fear of the dentist, and for individuals who experience symptoms repeatedly and severely. In this case, a personalized treatment plan is created based on the triggers and symptoms.
The most frequently used methods in the treatment of dentist phobia can be listed as follows:
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy, also known as systematic desensitization, is one of the most commonly used treatment methods for fear of the dentist. This type of therapy allows exposure to triggers in a safe and controlled environment.
Exposure is gradual, starting with the situation that results in the least phobic response, such as looking at a picture of dental treatment or talking about visiting a dentist.
Exposure therapy also ensures addressing the negative thoughts and feelings experienced when encountering dentists, and changing physiological and psychological responses. He is also taught relaxation and coping techniques.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be applied as a stand-alone treatment or alongside exposure therapy. It is a type of talk therapy and sessions can be individual or part of a group. Sessions are designed to help identify or change negative perceptions and thoughts about dentists. In connection with these, it contributes to addressing the accompanying feelings and behaviors.