Journal d'hygiène bucco-dentaire et de santé

Abstrait

Review on the Treatment of Fear and Anxiety in Dental Offices

Graham Steve

One in seven people have extreme anxiety about getting dental work done, and these patients need to be treated with care and consideration by dental professionals. In order to help worried people receive necessary dental care, this study reviews a range of non-pharmacological (behavioural and cognitive) approaches that can be applied in dental offices or surgeries. The evidence base for the various approaches is explored and summarised, and helpful guidance is given for managing worried patients. It is crucial to first recognise dental fear and then comprehend its causes, characteristics, and related elements. Techniques for managing anxiety range from effective rapport-building and communication to rigorous desensitisation and hypnotherapy. Many treatments, independent of a patient’s level of dental anxiety, could be usefully used by all dental patients; however certain procedures require specialised expertise [1-5]. It is stated that physicians can successfully manage dentally phobic patients, but it takes a higher degree of comprehension, good communication, and a phased treatment approach. There is sufficient evidence to support a number of non-pharmacological anxiety management techniques that dental professionals can use to assist calm anxious or apprehensive children and adults.