Dental Anxiety: Etiology and Treatment Options

Abstract

Summary Dental anxiety might be the cause of serious health problems. Avoiding dental visits can lead to complications with functional, esthetic and sociological consequences. In order to have a simple and efficient dental procedure, it is very important to diagnose dental anxiety and to react adequately. The aim of this paper is using available literature to present most frequent causes, consequences as well as treatment options for dental anxiety. Treating dental anxiety and choosing the right treatment is not always easy, however, it is important for dental practitioners to be able to assess patient’s behavior, possible causes of such behavior and select adequate therapy methods. Individual approach is very important as well as timely recognition and gradation of dental anxiety in order to apply adequate and successful dental treatment.

Respiratory Rate as a Physiological Response to Dental Anxiety

“…Dental anxiety is oftentimes correlated with anxiety, pain, and fear, and the prevalence of anxiety in these patients varies worldwide. In North America, the population with dental anxiety ranges from 10% to 20%, while it is 11% in Germany and 10% in Norway [1]. Soares et al reported that 46% of 100 Brazilian children aged 5-8 years had dental anxiety [2].…”

“…A fear of the dentist consists of dental anxiety, dental fear, and dental phobia; dental anxiety is generally benign, whereas dental phobia is the most intensive type. There are strong correlations between dental anxiety and poor oral health, an increased level of caries, and behavioral management problems in children, because an anxious patient tends to resist dental treatment, and this usually leads to irregular dental visits [1].…”

“…A dentist must know the predisposing factors and etiology and be able to provide an individualized approach for patients with dental anxiety. If the anxiety is not diagnosed, the patient will avoid treatment and develop complications such as oral problems, poor aesthetics, and social problems [1].…”

“…Children manifest dental anxiety in different ways. Some respond with interruptive behavior, while others respond via physiological reactions such as an increased respiratory rate, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and high blood pressure [1,3].…”

Dental anxiety and the status of first permanent molars in 11 and 15 years old children

“…This fear is one of the main reasons for oral health care neglect. Under the concept "fear of dentist, " it is possible to distinguish dental anxiety, dental fear and dental phobia [1].…”