Overview
Phobia can be termed as a medical condition in which the patient develops unnecessary fear about a place, object, situation, or even an animal. The main reason behind the same is an unrealistic sense of danger about something. In severe cases, the affected individual can go to any extent to avoid the activity that triggers phobia, and this causes a lot of stress.
The term dental phobia is self-explanatory. Some people develop unnecessary fear about certain aspects of dentistry. Due to their concern regarding injections, drills, pain caused during the dental procedures, or any other factor, they merely avoid visiting their dentist and end up with poor oral health. Even sedation does not prove to be helpful. This is where talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) comes into the picture.
An Effective Alternative To Sedatives
Research work released by the King’s College in London back in November 2015 proved that talk therapy is the best long-term solution for dental phobia.
As a part of the study, 130 patients with dental phobia were selected, and 99 individuals were offered CBT sessions at the college’s dental clinic. The concerned research was conducted between January 2009 and May 2013. After completion of their course, the persons were asked to complete their dental procedures. Remarkably, only 6 percent of the participants requested the dentist for sedation, while 79 percent of them did not ask for the same before opting for a dental procedure. Their fear of the dentist was drastically reduced.
Besides the British Dental Journal, the findings of this study were also published by the BBC in the UK and the Washington Post in the US.
How Does It Work?
Therapists interact with patients and understand the reasons behind the anxiety. The stages of therapy are designed according to the fear factors. As a part of treatment, patients are trained to perform relaxation exercises, including cognitive restructuring, graded exposure, progressive muscle relaxation, and breathing training. During the third week of the therapy, patients are exposed to dental equipment like injections, drills, etc. to control the phobia linked to the same. Repeated exposure to these items helps in removing the fear from the patient’s mind slowly. At a later stage, patients are also shown videos of various dental procedures to reduce anxiety. Such treatment works for most patients, and they have something positive to relate to when they visit their dentist for treatment.
Fortunately, there are some Roswell Dentists like those at TruCare who are pro in communicating with patients and in guiding them out of their fear. Patient-friendly, receptive dentists can handle such patients with ease without referring them to psychologists for treatment.
Besides dental phobia, talking therapy is also recommended for patients suffering from addiction to banned substances, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. If you are looking for a Roswell Dental Care expert with ample experience in treating patients with dental phobia, you should get in touch with TruCare Dentistry.
Schedule With TruCare Dentistry Roswell
Call (678) 321-7575 or use our contact form to request an appointment in Roswell, Marietta, or East Cobb.
“When patients understand their treatment options, they make better decisions about protecting long-term oral health.”
“Good oral hygiene and professional care reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss over a lifetime.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TruCare Dentistry offer sedation dentistry? +
Yes. TruCare Dentistry provides sedation dentistry for patients in Roswell, Marietta, and East Cobb.
How do I schedule an appointment? +
Call (678) 321-7575 or use our online contact form. We are located at 9205 Coleman Rd, Suite 200, Roswell, GA 30075.
Do you take dental insurance? +
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Call (678) 321-7575 and our team will confirm your coverage before your visit.
Do you see patients from Roswell and Marietta? +
Yes. Most of our patients come from Roswell, Marietta, and nearby zip codes such as 30075, 30076, 30350, 30062, and 30068. We also welcome new patients from across the greater Atlanta metro — many of our long-term patients travel from well outside the immediate area.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments? +
Yes, during business hours we offer same-day emergency dental care when urgent pain, swelling, or trauma requires immediate attention.
Who provides care at TruCare Dentistry? +
Dr. Toral Ardeshna, DDS, and our experienced team provide personalized family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry under one roof.
Schedule Your Visit in Roswell, GA
Same-day emergency appointments available. Serving Roswell, Marietta, and East Cobb.