Are you afraid of the dentist?

In recent years, there have been significant changes in the population with respect to the use of dental services; for example, since 1989, the number of people visiting the dentist has progressively increased.

Despite this, there are still 68% of people who admit that they only go to the dentist when it hurts. Some 15% say they have not been to the dentist in the last five years, and 2% say they have never been to the dentist, although in our experience this figure could be increased to 4%. Only a small percentage go to the dentist every year on a regular basis as a preventive measure.

But there is a specific profile, 13%, who have dental problems and also fear of the dentist. That is, they only go when it hurts or they have a problem and they have no choice: they are terrified of the thought of having to go to a dental clinic.

What are the causes of fear of the dentist?

The main reasons for developing this fear are:

• Previous negative memories or experiences.
• Insecurity for not knowing what they are going to do to you.
• Doubts about the final result of the treatment.
• Feeling of panic or anxiety due to physical stimuli (metallic materials, unpleasant noises, choking sensation due to water…).
• Perception that the treatment may be painful.

Thus, people who develop this fear of the dentist avoid going to the dentist until they either find a professional they trust 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 for us?

As Dr. Mario Alonso Puig points out, fear is the most limiting feeling of all, because it forces us to give a very primitive response: to flee, fight or paralyze ourselves.

Translated to the subject we are dealing with, it may mean that the person leaves the treatment waiting room, or even that he/she does not go and stays at home, blocked.

What can we do?

Most often 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, to become aware of our body, our life and our priorities in order to live it fully and consciously.

To begin to do so, we recommend the book Vivir es un asunto urgente, by Mario Alonso Puig, where you will find a source of inspiration to overcome this and any other fear.

How can 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 an attentive listening to our patients, guided questions and an environment that allows 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 that the patient experiences positive situations, with satisfactory results that meet their expectations.

In addition, for those who want extra peace of mind and even not to be aware of anything during the treatment, we apply conscious sedation techniques with our specialist, Dr. Helena Serrano, or we provide the patient with our 3D virtual reality glasses so they can listen to music or watch videos during the treatment.

And of course, if you want to talk and tell us your case, we will listen to you and decide together the best option for you.