Severe Dental Anxiety or Dental Fear

Patients with a severe degree of dental anxiety and dental fear are completely overwhelmed by the fear of the anticipated dental experience. Patients with severe dental anxiety tend to be dental phobic patients and they will resort to extreme measures to avoid the dentist even when experiencing severe toothaches.

Signs and symptoms of severe dental fear and anxiety

– Patients with severe dental anxiety are completely overwhelmed by their fear
– Patients with severe dental fear and anxiety would resort to unreasonable means to avoid going to the dentist.
– Patients with severe dental anxiety may seek dental care only when the deterioration of their dental health is threatening their well being or life.  In such cases, the cavities may have decayed most or all of their teeth to the gum line causing  multiple teeth infections that may involve the neck “Ludgwig’s Angina” which can be a life threatening condition if not treated.
– The vast majority of patients with severe dental fear and anxiety go to the dentist after the deterioration of the majority of their teeth seeking full removable dentures.
– A good percentage of patients with severe dental fear and anxiety manage to live a life with compromised and poor health without ever visiting the dentist.

Sedation Dentistry Treatment of dental patients with severe dental fear and anxiety

– As a sedation dentist, Dr. Mo Saleh will prescribe a pre-appointment anti-anxiety medication for his patients with severe dental anxiety or fear. This medication is to be taken one hour before the dental exam appointment and the night before to help with sleep.  A separate initial consult appointment is usually conducted with the patient prior to the exam / x-rays appointment to assess the degree and sources of dental anxiety and fear. A significant other or a family member is often present during the initial consult as this is usually requested by patients with severe dental fear and anxiety.  The presence of a loved one during the consult appointment usually provides a sense of comfort and security.
– An Initial Consult is performed to assess degree of dental fear and anxiety.  This is often done with the presence and support of a loved one or family member depending on the patient’s preference.
– Some patients elect to have the dental exam and X-rays to be performed under IV sedation combined with a pre-anxiety medication to be taken one hour prior to the appointment and at bedtime the night before to help with sleep.
– Deep IV sedation is utilized for long and extensive dental procedures.
– Oral sedation or moderate IV sedation may be utilized for routine cleaning appointments.
– We encourage on-going communication related to the degree of dental fear and anxiety to assess improvement and the ability to reduce sedation to lighter sedation methods.