Dental anxiety is thought to affect up to an estimated 30% of the global adult population.[i] Endodontics, in particular, can be an area of fear for many – mostly due to the anticipation of pain. Patients might experience a range of physical anxiety symptoms such as nausea, difficulty breathing and dizziness when faced with the prospect of dental appointments, examinations, and treatments. As such, dentists have tried a range of methods to help keep their patients calm and improve treatment acceptance.
Effective communication with patients, as well as creating a quiet and calm ambiance in your practice, can help to keep patients relaxed in anticipation of their appointments. However, when preparing for more nerve-wracking procedures, such as a root canal, some more involved and sometimes unorthodox anti-anxiety interventions might be helpful. So, how might dentists providing endodontics keep their patients calm?
Acupuncture
One unconventional method for relieving dental anxiety which has been explored by researchers is acupuncture. Those in favour of the technique claim that placing acupuncture needles in certain areas of the body can reduce anxiety by stimulating the central nervous system. Research has found that this is particularly helpful when the anxiety is related to a specific situation – like dental anxiety – more so than long-term anxiety disorders.[ii] While the effects will likely vary from person to person, one study[iii] found a significant reduction in median anxiety scores after treatment with acupuncture, allowing planned dental treatment to go ahead for all participants. Additionally, literature[iv] suggests that patients feel more relaxed within minutes of acupuncture starting.
While more research into its efficacy is needed, clinicians should not ignore the clinically relevant levels of anxiety reduction reported[v] which suggest that acupuncture could be a valid tool for tackling dental anxiety among some patients.
Hypnosis
Another possible solution for reducing dental anxiety might lie in hypnosis. While many associate hypnotism with magicians, health professionals and therapists are increasingly offering hypnotherapy to try and treat conditions, change habits, and promote relaxation.[vi] While it may not be a suitable option for everyone, and potentially harmful for those with psychosis or personality disorders, it might be a helpful tool for some patients to help reframe their thinking.[vii]
So, what are the benefits of hypnosis for dental anxiety? It may help reduce general feelings of dental anxiety and phobia, as well as manage responses that impede treatment – like the gag reflex and tongue defence. Additionally, it can help dental patients feel more engaged and impowered in their treatments, promoting an overall more positive outlook, helping to improve communication, and creating more positive associations for future treatments. Overall, the aim of hypnosis for dental anxiety will be to improve patients’ confidence, compliance, and retention.[viii] Researchers have looked into the specific effects of hypnosis on dental anxiety patients. They found that it had a positive effect, reducing dental anxiety and fear during dental treatments. This means that it might be a beneficial intervention to counteract dental fear.[ix]
Putting the mind at ease
While the slightly more unorthodox anxiety managements methods we have discussed might offer patients benefits, and ultimately foster behaviour change, sometimes solutions are much simpler. Generally, by building a positive relationship with patients, and keeping up a good rapport, clinicians will find that patients feel more comfortable around them, and are more likely to trust in their advice and treatment recommendations.
By adopting a predictable and repeatable workflow, you might be able to put patients’ minds at ease in the lead up to their treatment. For some patients, it might be helpful to explain the treatment process in steps, to help them get an understanding of what they can expect. Additionally, by explaining that you have adopted a standardised and reliable protocol, you can offer them a repeatable treatment workflow which is designed to keep them safe.
The HyFlex OGSF file sequence from COLTENE is designed to do exactly that. The sequence enables fast and reliable root canal preparation for simple and complex root canals, and enhances reproducibility and safety. The HyFlex EDM OGSF file system comprises of an Opener, Glider, Shaper, and Finisher, to be used in a simple pecking motion for effortless, smooth, and accurate root canal preparation up to working length. Additionally, this helps the clinician to stay in control of the treatment, and the straightforward sequence simplifies treatment while shortening the learning curve.
Ultimately, dental professionals want to provide the best possible care to their patients, to improve their oral health and free them of pain. Endodontic treatment, in particular, can seem very daunting. As such, it’s important to find ways to put patients’ minds at ease in the lead up to dental treatments, with approached specifically tailored to each patient’s needs.
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[i] University of York. Acupuncture possible treatment for dental anxiety. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2018/research/acupuncture-possible-treatment-for-dental-anxiety/
[ii] Medical News Today. Acupuncture for anxiety: Does it help? Accessed Feb 24. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-anxiety
[iii] Acupuncture may help patients with dental anxiety. Br Dent J 208, 334 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.356
[iv] Penn Medicine. Does Acupuncture Work? We Debunk 5 Common Myths. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2017/march/acupuncture
[v] University of York. Acupuncture possible treatment for dental anxiety. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2018/research/acupuncture-possible-treatment-for-dental-anxiety/
[vi] NHS. Hypnotherapy. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypnotherapy/
[vii] NHS. Hypnotherapy. Accessed Feb 24. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypnotherapy/
[viii] https://www.berkeleyclinic.com/dental-hypnosis-t-15
[ix] Wolf TG, Schläppi S, Benz CI, Campus G. Efficacy of Hypnosis on Dental Anxiety and Phobia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci. 2022 Apr 20;12(5):521. doi: 10.3390/brainsci12050521. PMID: 35624907; PMCID: PMC9138388.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9138388/
