Dentist Phobia
Far from being an isolated case, nearly 70% of the population say they feel apprehensive before going to the dentist.
However, for some people, this simple concern can take the form of a real anguish, even phobia, the only idea to make an appointment and seek treatment.
Fear of the dentist or dentophobia?
Assess your degree of anxiety by completing the form below.
Refusal to undergo dental treatment, sometimes for several years, can have dramatic consequences, not only on dental hygiene (bacterial plaque, proliferation of cavities, bad breath, etc.), but also on the general physical condition and mental health (feelings of shame, guilt, social exclusion, loss of self-esteem, etc.).
However, the more the suffering of toothache intensifies, the more the dentophobic person apprehends and rejects consultation that becomes inevitable ...
Some factors favor or even aggravate this disorder: a predisposition to anxiety in general, a state of stress, other existing phobias, mental illnesses (such as depression), as well as the consumption of alcohol and drugs (d elsewhere 64% of dentophobic patients are smokers).
Sometimes, an oral-dental phobia stems from traumatic experiences in the past, or tragic stories told by acquaintances. But most of the time the anxiety is irrational and groundless, or one that is based on various concerns such as: fear of pain, fear of injections, or fear of losing control and feeling at the mercy of an unknown third party.
Insomnia the nights before the appointment, heart palpitations, dry mouth, tremors, excessive sweating, nausea ... are among the many symptoms that manifests dentophobia.
Support for the phobic patient at Rhône Dental Clinic
We pay particular attention to building a relationship of respect and trust with our patients – based on skill, quality, dialogue and honesty – so that they feel listened to, understood and soothed.
The intention is primarily to meet and greet the patient. No treatment is performed during this consultation. Usually, one panoramic X-ray (OPT) is carried out in order to make a correct, accurate diagnosis of your oral-dental condition. Moreover, at Rhône Dental Clinic, your first consultation does not take place in the treatment room, but in a pleasant, neutral lounge with no medical equipment.
Therapeutic solutions offered at Rhône Dental Clinic
The support provided by our multidisciplinary team for the dentophobic patient is primarily aimeden at oral hygiene. Owing to the numerous sedation methods offered by our clinic, we can adapt the care priorities to the speed of their execution.
Rhône Dental Clinic employs two qualified anesthetists who practice in different clinics in the canton of Geneva.
These professionals experienced in pain management are able to direct the patient to the most appropriate sedation protocol, depending on the nature and duration of the care to be provided, the degree of anxiety and the person's history.
In parallel to the sedation protocols, Rhône Dental Clinic can call upon a qualified hypnotherapist, Mrs. Maude Favre, at the request of patients.
