If you dread visiting the dentist, you should know this:
De fleste av oss har et tilnærmet normalt forhold til tannlegen. Samtidig vet vi at svært mange, faktisk opp i mot 20 % av befolkningen, kvier seg til å gå til tannlegen. 5 % har så sterk angst at vi kaller det fobi ( odontofobi eller tannlegeskrekk ). Og ca 3 % av befolkningen har så sterk angst at tannbehandling er helt uaktuelt. Under kan du lese mer om hvordan vi kan hjelpe deg med dine utfordringer.
Most of us have a relatively normal relationship with the dentist. At the same time, we know that very many, in fact up to 20% of the population, are reluctant to go to the dentist. 5% have such strong anxiety that we call it phobia (odontophobia or dental fear). And about 3% of the population has such severe anxiety that dental treatment is completely out of the question. Below you can read more about how we can help you with your challenges.
Characteristics of odontophobia
Odontophobia is, in short, anxiety about the dentist and what is associated with dental treatment. Such fear is actually quite common in the Norwegian population. It does not just mean fear of having a root canal or other specific procedures – some people are afraid of just going to the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning of their teeth. Typical signs of dental fear are lack of sleep the night before dental appointments
Nervousness that gets stronger and stronger while sitting in the waiting room at the dentist. Many people feel physically ill (nauseous and unwell) at the thought of going to the dentist. It is also not uncommon to have sudden breathing difficulties when the dentist puts objects in the patient’s mouth, or just at the thought of the dentist in the mouth to work.
10 tips for dealing with odontophobia:
- Be honest with yourself and others about the fear. Talk to someone about your anxiety about dentistry. Odontophobia is widespread. You are not alone in this.
- Find a dental clinic with staff you trust and care about. And most importantly; Find a dentist you trust.
- Tell the dentist that you are scared, and possibly ask for an hour for a conversation first. Then the dentist can find out what it is important to emphasize in order to make the treatment better.
- It often helps if you feel you have control over the treatment situation. You should know that you have the opportunity to interrupt the dental treatment. Odontophobia is often about a feeling of lack of control.
- If you think it gives an extra feeling of losing control when the chair is tilted back, you can ask to sit more upright.
- You can bring a friend or someone you are familiar with, a person who can make sure you actually get to the dentist and support you through. This person should not be one who is afraid himself.
- Ask for anesthesia until you know nothing, ask for more anesthesia if you know anything.
- Ask for sedation (sedative tablets for example) if the anxiety does not allow you to be treated.
- Seek psychological help if the measures do not help. Phobias can be treated! Both hypnosis and cognitive therapy can help. Did you know that odontophobia can be treated in the same way as, for example, fear of flying?
- If you have a great need for treatment and do not see the possibility that you can undergo the treatment, parts or the entire dental treatment can be carried out under anesthesia. You can read more about anesthesia here.
We can help you
Our experienced dentists will be happy to help you through an examination where you can identify your problems and treatment needs. Together you make a treatment plan. If you are anxious about dental treatment, the dentist will offer you treatment that makes you more relaxed and perform treatment according to your wishes and needs. Read more about treating dental fear here.
Patients with us with odontophobia (dental fear) or patients who are undergoing major surgery are offered sedation prior to treatment, so that the treatment approach is experienced as less traumatic. Sedation is the same as sedation. In other words, medications that make you relax much better and get rid of any anxiety. When sedating with us, you can not drive a car afterwards. You may want to bring sedation with you.
Common sedation with us is drug treatment 20 min – 1 hour before treatment.
Good experience of dental treatment means good chemistry with our staff. We are 10 part-time or full-time dentists with us who will all do their utmost to make you happy. You choose at any time who will be your therapist.
Painless dentistry
With us, the most important thing is that you experience that the treatment is as painless as possible. We will take all measures to ensure that you have the least possible discomfort during the treatment. We have different types of anesthesia and different types of methods to anesthetize; including computerized syringe that emits anesthetic that you do not know. We use anesthetic bag, cream or gel in advance at the injection site if needed. If you need further pain reduction, we have fast-acting painkillers that work in addition to anesthesia