Jul
14
We all know that most of us have a fear of dentists. Some are scared of needles, others of having a drill in their mouth.
Having a fear of dentists is called dental phobia, and is a very common problem amongst children and adults. People with dental phobia tend to refrain from visiting the dentist even when they are in pain, and leave it hoping that it will eventually go away. This is a big mistake. Dental pain is one of the worst types of pain you can feel, and it will generally not heal itself without any treatment. If a dental problem is left untreated, it will progress into a bigger problem. Such examples are caries extending into the pulp causing a root canal treatment to be required, or progression of gum disease causing loss of bone to become periodontitis.
We at Smile Cliniq dental practice in North London understand how frightening it is for a person with dental phobia to visit the dentist, but also recognise how important it is to overcome their fear of dentists so that they can undergo the suitable treatment to achieve a good oral health.
Therefore, Smile Cliniq Dental Practice, winner of Best Dentist London and UK, provide patients with CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, to help them overcome their fear of the dentist.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is highly recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as the most effective way of treating anxiety. It is offered here at Smile Cliniq Dental Practice by Helen Chapman, our dental phobia management specialist. Helen also has qualification as a dentist, and is therefore highly experienced with treating people with dental phobia. Helen also understands problems such as depression, OCD, and agoraphobia which can make it difficult to visit the dentist.
Treatment of dental phobia by CBT consists of an hour long consultation with Helen, to discuss thoughts and beliefs about going to the dentist, any past experiences, and to try and work out the source of the fear. This allows Helen to understand the background of each person’s phobia of dentists, as each person is different. This way the therapist will be able to derive what actions will best help the patient overcome their fear, and at what pace. Understandably, patients will not recover from dental phobia overnight, and the process will be gradual. Helen assesses the patient’s reaction after treatment, and will monitor the progress.
CBT is a gradual process, and will require patient’s courage and determination. Sedation will get a dental phobic patient though a treatment, but it will not cure dental phobia. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the most effective way of overcoming dental phobia, and is a great solution for patients who care about their oral health.
If you would like to take the first step towards overcoming your dental phobia, or would like to know more about it, please contact us on 0208 343 1133, or by email to info@smilecliniq.com
