Facts about dental anxiety
Causes:
Bad experiences with dentists, fear of losing control or pain
Symptoms:
Anxiety, increased pulse, nausea, sweating, strong nervousness
Treatment methods:
Suitable anesthesia (nitrous oxide sedation or general anesthesia), gentle introduction by the practice team and talk therapy without time pressure, you as a patient are taken seriously
Many people don't like going to the dentist or are nervous before visiting the dentist. For some patients, however, the dental anxiety is so great that normal treatment is hardly possible. They often suffer from severe symptoms such as palpitations, panic or sweating even before the actual appointment. As a result, health problems often remain untreated for a long time.
At our practice in Zurich, we pay special attention to anxious patients. If the thought of a dental appointment is causing you a great deal of stress, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our trained team will be happy to take the time to gently introduce you to the treatment. We will work with you to find a solution so that you can show off your best smile again as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions about treatment for dental anxiety in Zurich
Can dental anxiety be treated permanently?
Dental anxiety often improves permanently if the dentist takes extra time for anxious patients. In the best case scenario, this can create a basis of trust that allows the patient to approach the appointment in a more relaxed manner.
At our practice in Zurich, we strive to make your visit to the dentist as positive as possible. The most important prerequisite for this is pain-free treatment.
What role do anesthesia methods play for anxious patients?
A central aspect of dental phobia is the fear of pain. By using a suitable form of anesthesia, we can guarantee the patient a completely pain-free treatment.
In the case of severe dental anxiety, sedation or general anesthesia has the additional advantage that the anxious patient is not consciously aware of the treatment. This allows us to carry out urgently needed treatments without stressing the patient.
What is the difference between treatment under general anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation?
With general anesthesia, all pain and conscious awareness are completely eliminated. The patient sleeps deeply and is unaware of the treatment.
Nitrous oxide sedation is a light anesthetic in which the sensation of pain and perception are also restricted. However, the patient remains responsive, breathes independently and can move actively. There is therefore no loss of control. Nevertheless, the patient does not experience the treatment in full consciousness.
Is dental treatment under anesthesia associated with a higher risk?
General anesthesia always carries a certain risk. A good state of health is therefore a prerequisite for dental treatment under general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide sedation puts far less strain on the body and is therefore often the better choice for dental anxiety.
In our practice in Zurich, every anesthetic is induced and monitored by an experienced anesthetist. We only use proven and very well-tolerated Swiss medications.
Can the treatment be completed in one session?
A major advantage of anesthesia is that we can perform several treatment steps in one session. The dentist decides individually for each patient whether the entire treatment can be carried out in one session. For patients with dental anxiety in particular, however, we try to ensure that the procedure is carried out as quickly as possible with as few appointments as possible.
What are the causes of dental anxiety?
There can be many reasons for dental phobia. Anxious patients often report negative or even traumatic experiences with dentists. However, it does not always have to be their own experiences that trigger a dental phobia. Reports from family or acquaintances can also lead to the person concerned no longer daring to go to the dentist.
For many people, the fear of losing control also plays a major role. They feel helplessly at the mercy of the situation. In addition, a visit to the dentist is often associated with pain. Many people are unaware that dental treatment using modern methods is almost always painless and comfortable. Modern Dentistry has developed enormously in the past years and most anxious patients will soon no longer be anxious patients.
How does dental anxiety manifest itself?
Dental anxiety manifests itself in a great deal of inner restlessness, which increases the closer the treatment date approaches. Some anxious patients are unable to sleep for days before their appointment and suffer from panic or severe nervousness. The symptoms intensify when they arrive at the dental practice. They may experience sweating, palpitations and nausea. Gastrointestinal problems and the feeling of impending fainting are also not uncommon with dental anxiety.
Treatment methods for our anxiety patients in Zurich
In our dental practice, we have various offers for anxiety patients that can make going to the dentist easier. The personal consultation is particularly important to us. Even before your appointment, you have the opportunity to get to know the practice team. Far away from the dental chair, your dentist will discuss with you how we can best meet your needs and make the treatment pain-free.
We offer various forms of anesthesia for patients with severe dental anxiety. Where a light anesthetic cream or local anesthesia is sufficient for other patients, it may be advisable for anxious patients to undergo treatment with nitrous oxide sedation or general anesthesia. In this case, you will largely sleep through your appointment and will not be consciously aware of the actual treatment.
In our practice in Zurich, we will guide you step by step through your dental treatment and develop a personal treatment plan together with you. The positive experiences often contribute to the fact that dental anxiety fades into the background and important appointments can be attended stress-free in the future.
Contact
Dentist Zurich - finest smile
Seidengasse 20
8001 Zurich
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone
044 504 57 56