Dentophobia
What is it? And how to move past it
Coming to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite thing to do. For some though, it’s more than a chore and is a fear. To help you move beyond the fear, we’ll help you understand what causes it.
What is it? And how to move past it
Coming to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favourite thing to do. For some though, it’s more than a chore and is a fear. To help you move beyond the fear, we’ll help you understand what causes it.
When was the last time you watched a movie where someone goes to a dentist and had a pleasurable experience? Never, is probably the answer. The dentist is usually portrayed as a torture chamber of scary looking tools and even scarier sounds of drills and grinders. At the Emergency Dentist Sydney, this portrayal couldn’t be further from the reality!
We pride ourselves on the skilled treatment of emergency dental procedures with our patient’s peace of mind at the forefront of our treatment.
Dentophobia can be caused by numerous factors but, more often than not, it is caused by a specific fear of something that a patient fears will happen once they’re in the dentist chair. Here are some of the most common concerns.
1. Fear of pain
If you’re visiting the Emergency Dentist Sydney, there’s a high chance that you’re already experiencing some form of pain or discomfort. We understand that this is the case and we’re ready to give you relief with multiple options:
Local anaesthesia, which is used for simpler procedures such as fillings and root canals.
Happy gas, which can alleviate pain and anxiety during most types of dental procedures.
IV sedation, which is most commonly used for more complex procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions.
Oral sedation, which is used most often for anxious patients.
2. Fear of needles
You may not even need an injection and there are other forms of pain relief as mentioned above. The biggest fear when it comes to needles is that they look big and scary. Best thing to do is not look and chances are your dentist won’t be waving it in front of you.
3. Fear of shame
We are not going to shame you about the condition of your teeth. We’re happy you’ve come in and only want to help you on the path to a happy and healthy smile
4. Fear of no control
Laying down with your mouth open with fingers, tools and suction isn’t fun. Some patients get anxious when it comes to swallowing too… We’re very aware of this and will always give our patients a break and are very in tune with any signals that you need us to stop.
5. Fear of history repeating
Maybe you had a bad experience at the dentist when you were a child? Chances are the memory was far worse than the actual experience. Let us know beforehand and we will do our very best to put your mind at ease. Also, dental treatment, particularly emergency dental treatment, has come a long way. Treatment is often faster and comes with a lot less pain (if any) than it used it.
The Emergency Dentist Sydney has seen it all when it comes to fear and anxiety our patients face and we’re ready to help you through it. Don’t put off dental treatment because of this, as dental issues tend to get worse without treatment. Talk to the team about your concerns so we can do what we can to relieve them.
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Does Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Depression?
How your dentist could improve your mental health
How your dentist could improve your mental health
Mental health is a serious concern for a lot of people. Disorders such as depression or anxiety are becoming more common these days, or perhaps they’re just becoming more visible as the people involved realise that they have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. This issue is also relevant in dentistry, as there are a number of studies that suggest that your oral health could be important in your mental health as well.
Depression and Oral Health
Depression is a serious and debilitating problem and now there is evidence to suggest that your oral health could affect your chances of suffering from this condition. The study, performed by Deakin University, found that poor dental health increased the likelihood of depression. This information was taken from a health survey of more than 10,000 people aged between 20 and 75 and measured dental health based on the number of reported dental conditions.
This study also found that there is a link between oral health and the severity of depression. Basically, they found that the more dental conditions a participant had, the greater the severity of their depression. This strong link may be because of inflammation. Factors that cause inflammation in the body such as obesity or other medical conditions can contribute to the biological processes that cause depression. And because dental infections and poor oral health also cause inflammation, it may be exacerbating or causing depression in the same way.
A lot more research is needed before this connection is fully understood. However, it again highlights the importance of taking care of your oral health in every way possible if you want to live a healthy and happy life.
Anxiety and Oral Health
Anxiety is a common problem here at Emergency Dentist Sydney. It can range from a general preference to stay away from the dentist to full blown phobia and can seriously affect your oral health.
People with dental anxiety are far more likely to neglect their regular check-ups and ignore dental pain in the hope that it will go away. They’re also much more likely to have to make a trip to an after hours dentist with a painful cavity that’s been ignored for far too long. In fact, a recent study showed that people with dental phobias are more likely to have missing teeth and cavities than people who don’t have phobias. This means that anxiety not only affects your oral health, it can also makes your dental visits more involved and unpleasant, which will probably just worsen your phobia.
Emergency Dentist Sydney on Phobias and Depression
Here at Emergency Dentist Sydney, our staff are trained and experienced in helping patients overcome their fears and achieve better oral health. We offer a range of options and services to make your dental appointments more pleasant, from calming medications to distraction techniques and caring, sympathetic staff.
We’re focused on your oral health, which is why we welcome everyone without judgement, and will do our best to help you overcome any barriers to the best dental health of your life.
Emergency Dentist Sydney Says:
If you have a dental emergency, contact our Emergency Dentist in Sydney. Our caring and expert staff are available 24 hours a day to help you with all your emergency dental needs.
Dental Phobia Fears? 'GO TO SLEEP!'
Is Dental Phobia a big fear of yours? Then ask for Dental Sedation at The #EmergencyDentist Sydney...
Dental Phobia Fears? 'GO TO SLEEP!'
Is Dental Phobia a big fear of yours? Then ask for Dental Sedation at The #EmergencyDentist Sydney. Sedation is also known as ‘twilight sedation’ and is a state of being in-between awake and asleep. Sleep or sedation dentistry allows you to 'sleep' whilst undertaking your dental treatment. Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry, is a dental solution designed for patients who dread going to the dentist. Many people feel afraid or uncomfortable when they are placed in vulnerable positions like the dental chair, and may experience dental anxiety as a result.
What is it?
Sleep dentistry, or sedation dentistry that allows for pain free dentistry, is a dental solution designed for patients who dread going to the dentist. Many people feel afraid or uncomfortable when they are placed in vulnerable positions like the dental chair, and may experience dental anxiety as a result. Sleep dentistry is requires special skills and a highly trained team. This team consists of the sedationist, the sleep dentist (a pain free dentist) who is a very gentle dentist and specially trained nurses.
What happens during sedation dentistry?
Initially the sedation dentist will put you to sleep. During the procedure, patients aren't unconscious, but mentally "detached" from what's going on, and before they know it, the sedation dentist will be telling them the dental procedure is over and they can go home. The sedative effects of the medication last up to 24 hours, so patients will likely need to relax for the rest of the day after their dental procedure(s) and must be sure not to operate a motor vehicle after the sedation dentistry.
The #EmergencyDentist Says:
If visiting the dentist is a fear of yours or someone you know, take New York Housewife, Bethenny Frankel's advice. Call us to discuss...
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