Don’t be afraid of the dentist!

Anyone who is afraid of the dentist is not alone. The fear is widespread, but there are remedies for it. How to fool the fear of the drill

Relaxed in the dentist’s chair: there are many ways out of fear

A debilitating fear of pain and the anesthetic injection keeps around six to eight percent of all Germans from having dental problems treated. They also do not take regular control appointments. Possible consequences: caries and periodontitis, a bad condition of the teeth, possibly even their loss.

Meanwhile, we also know that if the bit is not healthy, it can affect the entire organism. The flushing out of the bacteria attacks the blood vessels, the risk of a heart attack or stroke can increase. "The connection between an inflammation of the teeth and diabetes is also scientifically proven today", says Professor Dietmar Oesterreich, Vice President of the German Dental Association. Experts are also considering influencing rheumatic diseases or dementias.

General anesthesia is a double-edged sword

Many sufferers only take the first step to treatment when the toothache has become unbearable. They usually wish to have general anesthesia.

"For anxious patients, the promise of not having to be in pain is often enough. And you can make that promise", says Professor Peter Jöhren, head of the dental clinic at the Augusta Hospital in Bochum.

General anesthesia should not always be the solution. "When the patient is asleep, we often have to pull teeth that we could otherwise get from a root canal", so Jöhren. You cannot have an advisory conversation with the person concerned at the moment. In addition, it is not just about a one-off tooth restoration – but ideally, lifelong care.

Rapid success with cognitive behavioral therapy

In order for this to succeed despite the fears, experts first recommend cognitive behavior therapy. Three sessions are often enough, and the success rate seems remarkable: around 70 percent of patients then start treatment at the dentist – and carry it out to the end.

Hypnosis support?

Expert Jöhren is partly critical of hypnosis treatment: "It is not behavior therapy. It can be supportive for anxious patients, but treating real phobics with hypnosis makes little sense." In addition, like treatments with general anesthesia or laughing gas, this is usually not a cash benefit.

Five steps against fear

1. Consult a trusted person

Family members or friends are an important emotional support. Since they are more distant from the action than the patient himself, you can better follow the conversation with the doctor and address ambiguities. Dentist Johren advises: "Together create a questionnaire for the first appointment."

2. Schedule an appointment

Look calmly for a suitable dentist with experience in the treatment of anxiety patients. A specialist in oral surgery or maxillofacial surgery can also perform procedures for which you would otherwise have to change practice. Point out your fear when making an appointment so that enough time can be planned.

3. First just look

No treatment is given on the first appointment. Talk to the dentist about your anxiety and tell them what information you need. He can already teach you about breathing techniques and other anxiety-reducing measures. "An anxiety questionnaire can be used to determine whether psychotherapy could be helpful before treatment", says expert Jöhren.

4. Consider psychotherapy

In the case of very strong fears, psychotherapeutic interventions have proven their worth. Usually three to five sessions are sufficient. Some dental clinics and practices work with experienced specialists. Otherwise, get addresses from suitable therapists.

5. Painless treatment

Modern local anesthesia and pain relievers usually make general anesthesia superfluous. Agree with the dentist a clear sign of an immediate termination of treatment, such as raising your hand. Music through headphones also has a calming and distracting effect. According to Jöhren, scents may also help: "We are currently experimenting with lavender and bergamot."

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