In recent years there have been significant changes in the population regarding the use of dental services; for example, since 1989 the number of people visiting the dentist has increased progressively.
Despite this, there are still 68% of people who acknowledge going to the dentist alone when it hurts. 15% state that they have not been to the dentist in the last five years, and 2% say they have never been to the dentist, although based on our experience this figure could be increased to 4%. Only a small percentage go to the dentist every year on a regular basis for prevention.
But there is a specific profile, 13%, who have dental problems and are also afraid of the dentist. In other words, they only go when it hurts or they have a problem and they have no other choice: they are terrified to think that they have to go to a dental clinic.
What are the causes of fear of the dentist?
The main reasons for developing this fear are:
- Negative memories or previous experiences.
- Insecurity for not knowing what they are going to do to him.
- Doubts about the final result of the treatment.
- Feeling of panic or anxiety due to physical stimuli (metallic materials, unpleasant noises, sensation of drowning in water...).
- Perception that the treatment may be painful.
Thus, people who develop this fear of the dentist avoid going to the dentist until either they find a trusted professional on the recommendation of a family member or friend, or they have reached a limit that is difficult to sustain and that limits their day-to-day life.
What does this fear mean to us?
As indicated by Dr Mario Alonso Puig, fear is the most limiting feeling of all, because it forces us to give a very primitive response: flee, fight or freeze.
Translated to the topic we are dealing with, it can mean that the person leaves the treatment waiting room, or even that they do not come and stay at home, blocked.
What can we do?
The most common is that we are offered a series of "practical and quick" tips to solve this fear of the dentist. But these tips, although useful to alleviate the immediate effects, do not solve anything if we do not also focus on the root of the problem.
And the first step to solve fear is to understand it, become aware of our body, our life and our priorities to live it fully and consciously.
To get started, we recommend the book To live is an urgent affair, by Mario Alonso Puig, where you will find a source of inspiration to overcome this and any other fear.
How do we help you at Ahoa?
At the Ahoa Clinic we are very aware of this problem and we know how to detect it early, based on attentive listening to our patients, guided questions and an environment that encourages them to express themselves freely.
From here, we design a program of visits adapted in time and simplicity to each patient, to achieve greater desensitization and self-confidence. We seek for the patient to experience positive situations, with satisfactory results that meet her expectations.
In addition, for those people who want extra peace of mind and even not find out anything during the treatment, we apply techniques of conscious sedation with our specialist, Dr. Helena Serrano, or we make available to the patient our 3D virtual reality glasses to listen to music or watch videos during treatment.
And of course, if you want to talk and explain your case to us, we listen to you and decide together the best option for you.