Sound of the dentist's drill can create anxiety for some, unleashing a variety of symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating and nausea. For others, studying why this happens is a compelling mystery.
 |
| Dental Fears |
The Society for Neuroscience reported at a recent meeting in San Diego that researchers now believe they are closer to understanding why some have anxiety and others do not. Scientists in Japan have discovered that some patients display different brain activity which could be the key to effectively handling dental fears for those more predisposed to it. The goal, of course, would be to ease anxiety symptoms and perhaps eventually eliminate fears at the dental office.
The study was conducted scientifically, of course. With the help of psychiatrists, two control groups were created after assessing how much patients feared a trip to the dentist. Researchers then divided the research subjects into two groups; low fear and high fear.
While playing sounds usually found in a dental office such as suction instruments and drills, responses were measured in the brain for both groups by scanning subjects in an isolated MRI where brain activity results would not be influenced by visible or audible responses. The sounds were mixed with a variety of different sounds deemed "neutral" so that reactions to the dental sounds could be measured reliably. The MRI images gave researchers results they could actually "see".
What researchers discovered was that those in the low fear group displayed more activity in the brain when responding to the dental sounds than when they heard the neutral sounds. The activity occurred in the auditory areas of the brain. In the group of high fear subjects, however, they found more intense levels of activity in the part of the brain called the left caudate nucleus, thought to play a role in learning.
This research supports the findings of behavioral psychologists who have learned that cognitive-behavioral methods can be extremely effective in treating a variety anxiety disorders, including dental fears and phobias. Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and anxiety disorder specialist, explains, "Many people have small amounts of dental anxiety, which is normal. It is quite common for people to experience brief episodes of anticipatory anxiety, primarily from a fear of the unknown (i.e. what will be needed, how much will it cost, will it hurt, will other people notice)."
Dr. Raynard elaborates, "For about 10% of adults, however, levels of anxiety can be quite severe. Some even develop full-blown phobias. For these people, fears can bring on symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweaty palms, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and a host of other body symptoms. The pattern of anxiety, physical symptoms, then worry actually reinforces the anxiety and can lead to episodes of panic and avoidance. Over time, patients may avoid all dental visits, including dental emergencies."
The news is good, however, even for those with dental phobias. "Dental fears are highly treatable with a form of behavioral therapy which includes desensitization. Visits to a psychologist with this specialized training and experience can help reduce or eliminate dental fears and allow for needed dental work to be done without the grip of anxiety or panic," states Dr. Raynard.
Dentists who are sensitive to patients with anxiety is important. Dr. Gregory R. Bowen, a San Antonio dentist with over 30 years experience, believes that there are a number of reasons why people can develop dental anxiety. Early dental experiences, not being informed before a procedure, and even listening to someone else's story about a dental visit can affect one's views of the dentist and create unneeded and unwanted anxiety. "Dental fears can be learned. Dental anxieties are more common in children with parents or caregivers who have dental fears. In my experience, those with anxiety are also far more likely to report pain during a dental visit, where the vast majority of patients do not experience pain. In fact, many patients report a reduction in pain following a dental visit. Dental fears can be addressed in a variety of ways once your dentist is aware that you're anxious," explains Dr. Bowen. "It's important so that we can help our patients feel comfortable and trust that we will do everything we can to minimize their anxiety."
Dental research will continue to explore how to integrate the use of cognitive-behavioral methods along with dentistry that is sympathetic to those who have anxiety. Some dentists already have an understanding of this relationship and, like Dr. Bowen, have taken steps to make trips to the dentist more relaxing for anxious patients.
Official Website: Society for Neuroscience
Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D.: Panic Update, Panic Doctor Website
Dr. Bowen: Website for Dr. Gregory R. Bowen, DDS
No comments:
Post a Comment