A phobia is defined as an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that poses little to no actual danger. Fear of the dentist or dental phobia is no different and, in my experience, most patients know that their fears are irrational. However, the intensity of their feelings of fear is very real.
Dental Phobia is Individualized
As with most parts of human psychology, dental fear is very individualized and each person’s experience is unique.
The wide variety in how dental fear can manifest for different individuals can make it challenging to manage as the patient and the dental provider because we only have so many words to describe an experience that exists on a wide spectrum.
Another factor that complicates dental phobia and its management is that we only have the word “sedation” which covers a broad spectrum of treatment options available to patients.
Additionally, each sedation modality can provide a very different experience to each patient. General anesthesia is the only option that guarantees full analgesia, amnesia, and lack of awareness, however, this option is costly and not readily available to most patients.
Being Equipped to Handle Dental Phobia
Not every dentist is equipped to handle every patient with dental anxiety. As a patient, it can be hard to explain your fears and concerns to your dental provider. Many patients are terrified just walking into the office and others are afraid of being judged for their fears.
However, I encourage patients to be as open and honest with their dentist as possible so they can provide the best care to you.
Remember, though, sometimes the best care a dentist can provide is to refer the patient to another office, specialist, etc.
It can be frustrating as a patient to continue to be sent to different offices, but I promise you that if your dentist feels you would be better served elsewhere you want to listen to them.
As a dentist who is able to provide Moderate Conscious Sedation for my patients, I still have patients whose dental phobia or medical complexities are beyond what I am trained to manage and have to refer them to other providers.
Knowing When a Patients Care is Out of Your Scope
I empathize with patients who have this great fear of the dental office and procedures, but performing care that is beyond my scope can put my team, my patient, and myself in danger.
I never want to be the one to create more trauma for a patient who already has significant dental phobia, so sometimes referral is the best thing for patients.
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