Afraid of the dentist? – You're in good hands with us at VHD Dental.
It’s normal not to look forward to a dental visit, but if the thought of seeing a dentist triggers physical symptoms like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, or even nausea, you may be experiencing dental phobia.
Common symptoms of dental anxiety include:
Intense nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and shaking
Panic attacks or feeling faint
Nausea and gagging
Dry mouth
Muscle tension or cramps
Excessive sweating
High blood pressure
Studies show that around 10% of patients suffer from dental phobia, though the real number may be much higher.
Dental anxiety can vary greatly, with some people even avoiding treatment altogether, despite serious dental problems. Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist often leads to conditions like gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth decay, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
In many cases, patients only come to us when the pain becomes unbearable. By then, the treatment options are limited, often requiring root canals or extractions. The longer they delay, the more severe the issues become, which increases both the fear and the feeling of shame, leading to a cycle that can affect not only their dental health but their self-esteem and social life.
Breaking this cycle can be difficult without help, and untreated dental anxiety can contribute to depression and isolation.
Support and care are key.
Overcoming dental anxiety is a gradual process that often requires the support of a therapist and a specialized dental team. It’s also crucial to open up to trusted friends or family members about your fear. Self-help groups or online forums where you can remain anonymous can also be helpful.
At VHD Dental, we understand how overwhelming it can be to seek help.
In an initial consultation, we’ll assess your anxiety and determine when and how treatment can proceed. Rest assured, there’s no need to feel embarrassed with us—we’ve seen it all, and our priority is to make you feel comfortable and safe.
Your comfort comes first.
We take extra time to explain every step of the treatment in detail. You’re never forced to proceed; you’re always free to stop or take a break whenever you need to. Our goal is to ensure you feel in control throughout the process.
If you still don’t feel ready for active participation in treatment, we offer alternatives such as mild sedation or general anesthesia. While these options won’t cure the underlying anxiety, they can be the first step towards rebuilding a routine of regular dental visits.
With the help of a psychologist and positive experiences, you can gradually regain confidence and, in time, may even enjoy your visits with us.
Treating the root cause of fear.
Hypnotherapy is another effective method for tackling dental anxiety. Often, the underlying cause of a phobia is a past, unresolved trauma stored deep in the subconscious. Hypnoanalysis allows access to these memories, enabling us to neutralize their emotional charge and reframe them.
Hypnosis provides a unique, direct route to the subconscious, offering therapeutic possibilities that traditional methods can’t. This makes it an especially popular therapy for overcoming deep-rooted fears, as it can also help “heal the inner child” by addressing missed emotional experiences.
If you're interested in exploring hypnotherapy as a solution, Andrea Pöhl-Jensen offers a free initial consultation to discuss the potential benefits.
We're here to help.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
If you're not quite ready for a visit, we’re happy to offer advice over the phone. Together, we can overcome your dental anxiety and restore your smile.