It is a classic vicious cycle: a small defect in a tooth causes a slight twinge. Fear of going to the dentist leads to postponing the appointment. The damage gets worse, the pain increases – and with it, the fear of the now necessary, more extensive treatment.
If you recognise yourself here, you are not alone. Studies (such as those by the IDZ) show that around 60 to 80% of the population are familiar with an uneasy feeling when visiting the dentist. For around 15%, this fear is so pronounced (odontophobia) that they avoid going to the dentist altogether – often with serious consequences for oral health and self-esteem.
Modern dentistry has understood: we do not treat teeth, we treat people. And for people with anxiety, there is now a step-by-step concept that enables relaxed, pain-free treatment.
Step 1: Trust and control (psychological guidance)
Often, pain is not the main problem, but the feeling of losing control (“being at someone else’s mercy”). A specialised team discusses every step with you before the treatment.
- The stop signal: We agree on a hand signal. If you raise your hand, the treatment is interrupted immediately. You remain in control at all times.
Step 2: Low-pain local anaesthesia
Fear of the “injection” is often greater than fear of the drill. Thanks to modern techniques, this pain can now be avoided.
- Topical anaesthesia: Before the actual anaesthetic is administered, we apply a numbing gel or spray to the gums. This means you will barely feel the needle prick, if at all.
- Local numbness: The anaesthetic completely blocks the pain stimulus in the tooth. You are awake and may feel pressure and vibration, but no pain.
Step 3: Nitrous oxide – relaxation at the push of a button
Banned in everyday life, yet known today as the gold standard in anxiety therapy: nitrous oxide sedation.
- How it works: You inhale a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a nasal mask.
- The effect: Within minutes, you feel deeply relaxed and light, and fears fade into the distance. The gag reflex is strongly suppressed.
- The advantage: Unlike other forms of anaesthesia, you are usually fit to drive again immediately after treatment (“drive-home” capability), as the gas leaves the body quickly.
Step 4: Analgosedation (twilight sedation)
If nitrous oxide is not sufficient, analgosedation is a proven option.
- The procedure: You receive an intravenous sedative combined with a painkiller.
- The experience: You do not sleep deeply as with general anaesthesia, but are in a trance-like twilight state (“twilight sleep”). You breathe independently and are responsive, but you do not emotionally perceive the treatment.
- The “blackout” effect: The medication often causes what is known as anterograde amnesia – you will remember little or nothing of the procedure afterwards. For anxious patients, this is psychologically very valuable.
Step 5: Intubation anaesthesia (general anaesthesia)
General anaesthesia is the ultima ratio (last option) for patients with extreme phobia, a strong gag reflex, or when extensive rehabilitation of the entire dentition is to be carried out in a single session.
- Procedure: A specialist in anaesthesiology accompanies the procedure. Your consciousness and pain perception are completely switched off, and breathing is artificially supported.
- The restart: You wake up and the treatment is over. This is particularly suitable for breaking the vicious cycle and creating a solid basis for the future.
Conclusion: No one has to endure pain or hide away in shame anymore. The first step is the bravest: book a consultation-only appointment – with no drilling, just talking. We will listen to you.
Click here to see our anaesthesia options at the Kronberg Dental Centre.