You are not alone
Around 70% of people are occasionally afraid of going to the dentist. One in five has a strong fear, and 12 percent suffer from dental phobia that keeps them from regular visits.
Most people affected know that their fear is harming them. They notice gum problems or a cavity, or are unhappy that their teeth are no longer white – and still do not dare to take the first step. The longer it has been since the last visit, the greater the fear often becomes. A visit to the dentist is something intimate and an intrusion into your privacy. We understand that, and we still encourage you to face the challenge.
Causes and consequences
Many anxious patients report bad experiences in childhood or adolescence – pain as well as an inconsiderate approach. For others, the fear stems from frightening stories, for example from their own parents. Often no cause can be found at all: the fear is rooted deep in the subconscious, much like a fear of spiders or mice. It usually comes down to these points:
Some people barely smile because of their teeth or avoid social contact altogether, which can end in loneliness or social phobia. Significantly more people with dental phobia suffer from depression, mostly as a result of persistent, untreated pain. Taking painkillers regularly risks dependency and damage to health.
- Fear of pain, loss of control and helplessness
- Gagging or nausea during treatment
- The sound of the drill and the dental smell
- White coats and dental instruments
How we work with anxious patients
Dr Nina van Sprundel and her team have a great deal of experience with anxious patients. We meet you with calm and composure and respect your fears and needs. Modern therapies allow gentle and painless treatment; clear explanations and transparency build trust.
At the first appointment you get to know us and the practice. Besides a detailed conversation about your wishes and goals, there is usually only an initial examination. Once the treatment is planned, you decide how much you feel ready for at the following appointments. Our aim: that you can sit in the dental chair without fear and visit the dentist regularly and without worry.
- Getting to know each other properly and full explanations before treatment
- No anxious waiting: a relaxed atmosphere and a lovely view – our practice does not feel like a dental practice
- Painless treatment under precise, gentle anaesthesia
- Continuous information about the next steps, with no nasty surprises
- You stay in control: a hand signal is enough for a break, and we take the time needed
- Full understanding – tell us if something is not right
Anaesthesia without a syringe: The Wand
The Wand® is a digital system for local anaesthesia that causes no pain and replaces the conventional syringe. It is often used for patients who are afraid of injections.
- The anaesthetic flows ahead of the needle – the tissue is numb before the needle touches it
- It takes effect immediately
- Less anaesthetic is needed
- Computer-controlled pressure protects the tissue
- The effect wears off more quickly after treatment
- Thanks to precise, local anaesthesia, lips and cheeks rarely go numb
Nitrous oxide and general anaesthesia
Nitrous oxide is an effective and proven alternative to general anaesthesia. You breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nasal mask; it calms and relieves pain, yet you stay awake and responsive. We dose it individually and precisely. After treatment you receive pure oxygen for a few minutes, and the gas leaves your body quickly. It is very well tolerated and has also proven effective in children – we are glad to use it for our youngest anxious patients.
If you dread a longer procedure, we can treat you under general anaesthesia. Our experienced anaesthesia team accompanies you throughout; beforehand we check that you are healthy and fit. Health insurance usually covers general anaesthesia when it is medically necessary; otherwise you bear the costs yourself. You receive a transparent cost plan from us.
What you can do yourself
Relax shortly before your appointment and think of happy memories – what happened on your 5th birthday, for example? Bring headphones and your favourite music: it creates a good feeling on the way and masks the sounds in the chair. This way you link the visit with music rather than with the treatment. Practise relaxation exercises beforehand that you can use in the chair.
If you feel pain during treatment, signal it at once – we will then anaesthetise or adjust the dose. If you wish, you can ask your GP or Dr van Sprundel whether a calming, anxiety-relieving sedative can be prescribed for you.
Why waiting does harm
Problems often begin after just one or two years without professional cleaning. After a few years without check-ups, pain from decay or gum inflammation sets in; the tissues supporting the teeth weaken, and with advancing periodontitis teeth can fall out. After 5 years without prophylaxis, plaque has usually hardened into tartar and bacteria attack the roots. After 10 years, the tooth substance is usually badly destroyed, teeth are loose, and replacements such as implants have to be considered. Break the vicious circle early – that is how lasting damage can be avoided.