Dental phobia and implant treatment
Written by:Would you consider yourself a person with “dentophobia”? Avoiding regular check-ups and treatment due to a fear of the dentist can lead to neglected teeth that consequently, could need replacing with dental implants. Dr Peter Sanders and his team understand that each patient has their own motives for fearing the dentist, and they take extra measures to help patients manage their fears. Dental implants can be a worrying thought for many, particularly those with dental phobia, but with additional measures, all patients can receive treatment no matter their fears.
Dental phobia can lead to treatments that could have been prevented
A common trait in those who fear the dentist is avoiding check-ups entirely. Even when some people believe they are looking after their teeth well, their dental hygiene regime can still lead to decay and potentially the loss of a tooth. Normally, a dentist will catch decay early on, but as a result of not visiting the dentist, teeth are neglected and treatments such as root canals and dental implants become necessary.
Fortunately, there are dentists, such as Dr Sanders, who fully understand this phobia and have already helped many patients to have dental check-ups and treatments despite their fears.
Common reasons people are scared to visit the dentist
Dental phobia is fairly common and there are several reasons and triggers of this phobia, however, they can vary between individuals:
- A fear of needles
- The sounds of dental tools
- The smell of a dental clinic
- Having a negative past experience at the dentist
Furthermore, claustrophobia may be a cause. Having moulds and tools in the mouth for a long time can be incredibly uncomfortable for some people, and not being able to move can add to the anxiety felt by the patient.
Measures to ensure you’re calm during your implant treatment
Dr Sanders and his team at Dental Confidence have a variety of additional measures that they take to help patients feel as calm as possible every step of the way. Here are some examples of the high-quality attention and care you can expect, should you choose to visit his clinic for dental implants or other treatments.
Digital intraoral scanning: No more uncomfortable moulds
An intraoral scanner takes photographs and measurements of the inside of the mouth. There are several benefits to using this state-of-the-art equipment:
- The putty-like material that is usually used to make an impression of the patient’s mouth is not needed
- It is minimally invasive
- Measurements are faster to make
- Fewer appointments are required
Talking you through every step of the way
With Dr Sanders, there’s never a silly question or doubt. He’ll ensure that you leave your consultation with all of your questions answered. Additionally, Dr Sanders talks patients through the surgical procedure of implants in every detail that’s required. By showing you illustrations to demonstrate how this routine procedure is completed, you can feel more in control.
Understanding that fear could strike at the last second.
Leading up to the implant procedure, a patient can feel comfortable until the day of treatment arrives. Dentists like Dr Sanders are on hand to let you know that it’s understandable should you choose to wait and re-schedule the appointment until you feel comfortable.
Music
Dr Sanders likes to ask patients if they’d like to choose music to play during the procedure. By doing so, patients have a familiar sound to distract them, rather than focusing on the sounds and textures of dental tools in their mouths.
If you’ve been avoiding a trip to the dentist due to fears, don’t hesitate any longer. Visit Dr Sanders’ Top Doctors profile to learn more about how he and his clinic can help you, and also to book your first consultation.
