DENTAL FEAR & PHOBIA
 

Most people do not look forward to a dental or doctors appointment but for many this thought can be terrifying. So much so that they will do anything to avoid an appointment. Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common, some anxiety about going to the dentist is nomal, this means having a sense of uneasiness when it is time to go the dentist. Having exagerated or unfounded worries or fears, Dental phobia is a more serious condition characterised by having intense fear or dread. The people who suffer with phobia will be terrified or panic stricken and often means they dont go to the dentist for many years.

Rather than making an appointment these people will often suffer with gum infections (periodental disease) pain or even broken, unsightly teeth and bad breath. People with dental phobia have a higher risk of gum disease and premature tooth loss. As well as the physical consequences of avoiding the dentist there may be emotional costs as well. Discoloured or damaged teeth can make people self conscious and insecure. They may open their mouths to talk and smile less, their personal and professional life may suffer resulting in a serious loss of confidence and self esteem.
There are many reasons that some people develop dental anxieties and phobias some of which you may be able to identify with:
  • Pain and the fear of pain are the main reasons people dont see a dentist.
  • Previous negative experience - you may have had a bad experience. Often this may have occurred as a child or through a painful experience, conflict with the dentist or phobia of needles or an unexpected experience.
  • You may have a fear of instruments in your mouth which will cause anxious feelings and cause a difficulty in breathing.
  • Previous uncaring, unsympathetic dentists that have put you off, either the thought of the pain that he will inflict or the insensitive, uncaring remarks that he may make.
  • You are embarrassed about your oral health and the coordination of your teeth and gums having not visited the dentist for a number of years you may think its too late for any repair to be done and you are embarrassed at what the dentist may think.
  • No knowledge of new technology and techniques that make you think your teeth are beyond repair.
  • If you haven't seen a dentist for a while it may just be a fear of the unknown. We and our dentist understand that for many fears exist and will try to overcome your anxiety.

We at BDT acknowledge and understand that a fear exists. There are sevaral ways in which we and the dentist will try to overcome your anxiety and these include:

1. The doctors speak English and German (Translators are also on hand) they are great listeners and are not in a rush to see their next patient. They have time for you! They will ask you what your problem is and will reply with recommendations that may include general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry work.   2. The dentists recommendations may often include long term repair techniques that mean you do not have to come back for many years. They are not counting on you coming back everys 6 months for treatment which incurs more costs, nor will he recommend unnecessary or the most expensive treatment.

  3. Full explanations of problems, repair work options and techniques will be given in easy to understand language with an opportunity to ask questions which will relieve your fear of the unknown.
  4. The clinic staff - caring and relaxed, happy and friendly you will wonder if you have come to the right place.
  5. The modern, clean surgery that has no dentists smells - unlike many surgeries it resembles a modern lounge which immediately disarms you and puts you at ease you will find it relaxing and comfortable with many distractions, a TV room, kids play room and garden to sit and enjoy during waiting times.
  6. A no waiting policy - instant treatment round the clock means no intense waiting time. If necessary the dentist will work through the night to complete your treatment.

7. The dentist has seen a lot worse teeth than your own. In Turkey it was normal for many people to go a lifetime without a visit to a dentist until they had pain.     If you are suffering from dental phobia then it isnt too late to do something about it now. Using a range of proven techniques we can help you overcome your dental phobia forever.