More than 16% of adult Australians experience high levels of dental fear. For many, this leads to cancelled appointments and delayed treatment, which can allow oral health problems to worsen over time.
Dental fear is not new. It is rooted in the body's natural stress response. However, dentistry has advanced significantly, and the experience of visiting a dentist today is very different from what it once was.
The Fight-or-Flight Response
A stressful situation triggers the release of stress hormones and a series of physiological changes, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. This evolved as a survival mechanism, but it is not only triggered by life-threatening situations. For some patients, the thought of visiting the dentist is enough to activate the same response.
A Brief History of Sedation
Research shows that ancient cultures observed animals to discover herbal remedies for pain, and used psychotropic plants to help manage stress. The first known anaesthetic was developed by ancient Arabian physicians using what was known as an Aleppo Sponge to induce sedation.
Traditional Methods of Coping with Pain
Because the anticipation of pain is one of the main drivers of dental fear, pain management has always been central to dental care. Traditional approaches include:
- Pain relief such as paracetamol
- Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen
- Local anaesthetics
Non-medical approaches include cognitive behaviour therapy, relaxation techniques, stress management, and psychological support.
Understanding Modern Dental Fear
Research into the origins of dental fear has identified five common pathways:
| Pathway | Description |
|---|---|
| Cognitive conditioning | Fear developed from a previous painful or negative dental experience |
| Informative | Fear influenced by information from peers, adults, media, or other sources |
| Visual vicarious | Fear developed from witnessing someone else undergo a difficult dental experience |
| Verbal threat | Fear triggered by hearing about another person's negative experience |
| Parental | Children who observe dental fear in a parent may develop anxiety of their own |
Whatever the origin, there are now effective ways to manage dental fear.
Modern Solutions
- Choose a dentist who understands dental anxiety. A team that takes the time to listen and plan around your concerns makes a significant difference. At The Point Dental, we offer a range of approaches and resources to help patients manage their dental fear.
- Consider sedation options. From local anaesthetics to oral sedation, inhalation sedation, and sleep dentistry, there are multiple ways to ensure your procedure is comfortable and pain-free.
- Use relaxation techniques. Headphones, eye masks, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can all help. Cognitive therapy, which involves gradual exposure to parts of the treatment process, is another effective approach.
Your Next Step
If dental fear has been preventing you from seeking care, contact The Point Dental to book a consultation. We can discuss your concerns and find an approach that works for you.