Dentophobia, a strong fear of dental treatment, can lead to avoidance of dental appointments. General anaesthesia, or so-called anaesthesia, can help to overcome this fear. We explain what the symptoms of dentophobia are and how a patient's qualification for dental anaesthesia is carried out.
Table of contents:
- Dentophobia - what is it?
- Symptoms of dentophobia
- Dental treatment under anaesthesia for people suffering from dentophobia
- Can everyone benefit from dental treatment under anaesthetic?
Dentophobia - what is it?
Dentophobia is characterised by an excessive, often irrational fear of the dentist. It can manifest itself by experiencing intense fear and anxiety even at the mere thought of visiting the surgery, often leading to avoidance of regular dental appointments. The consequences of avoiding treatment can be significant and affect both oral and general health.
Symptoms of dentophobia
Dentophobia, a strong fear of dental treatment, can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, both physical and psychological.
Physical symptoms of anxiety may include dizziness and feeling dizzyand anxiety can lead to stomach problems such as nausea or abdominal pains.
Avoidance of dental visits due to dentophobia can lead to an increase in stress, fear and anxiety related to the thought of treatment. This in turn can create a vicious circle, maintaining the fear of dentistry.
In the case of dentophobia, it is important to consulting a dentist who can understand the patient's fears and adapt the treatment approach in a way that is more comfortable for the patient.
Dental treatment under anaesthesia for people suffering from dentophobia
Treatment of teeth under anaesthesia, also known as centripetal sedation or inhalation sedation, can be an effective solution for people suffering from dentophobia. Anaesthesia aims to induce a state of relaxation and sleep, allowing the patient to survive dental treatment without experiencing anxiety or discomfort. It can be used in different degrees, depending on the patient's needs.
Dental treatment under anaesthetic is particularly effective for people who suffer from a strong fear of dental appointments. Under its influence the patient feels no pain or discomfort associated with the dental procedure.
Thanks to anaesthesia it is possible to carry out multiple procedures in a single visit, which is usually beneficial for patients with dentophobiawho avoid regular visits to the dentist.
Can everyone benefit from dental treatment under anaesthetic?
Before administering anaesthesia, the dentist will carefully assess the patient's condition to ensure that the patient is suitable for this type of treatment.
Qualifying a patient for general dental anaesthesia involves several steps. Below, I outline the general steps in qualifying a patient for dental anaesthesia.
1. Collection of medical information
In the first stage, it is important to collect a detailed medical history of the patient, including information on general health, chronic diseases, allergies, medications taken and any previous experience with general anaesthesia.
2. physical examination
Carry out a thorough physical examination of the patient to assess their general health, respiratory, cardiovascular and other relevant systems function.
3. anaesthetic risk assessment
Determine the risks associated with the patient undergoing general anaesthesia. This is influenced by factors such as the patient's age, existing medical conditions, the presence of allergies, and possible complications from previous medical procedures.
4. talking to the patient
Explaining the process of general anaesthesia to the patient, discussing the benefits and risks, and obtaining informed consent for anaesthesia.
5. patient preparation
If necessary, the patient may be asked to discontinue certain medications before the procedure, as well as to follow certain dietary recommendations before the day of the procedure.
6. additional studies
In some cases, additional laboratory or imaging tests may be necessary to assess the patient's condition and minimise the risk of complications.
7. choice of appropriate anaesthetic method
Based on the information gathered, the anaesthetist decides on the type of anaesthetic to be used for the patient, taking into account the patient's medical condition and the nature of the planned dental procedure.
All these steps are important to ensure safe and effective general dental anaesthesia. The final decision to undergo anaesthesia should be made by the patient in collaboration with the medical teamand any doubts should be properly clarified before the procedure.
