In the 15 years I worked in the dental field, I saw a wide range of anxiety behaviors surface for patients. I’ve had my own experiences of dental anxiety too. The dental office is actually a very common place for anxiety to land.
The dental chair is a vulnerable place to be. Someone with authority is hovering over you while you lie supine, they are shoving pokey things in your mouth, and you are usually in a small, confined area. To top it off, most dental providers are not trained to recognize the signs of trauma triggers. I’ve heard some shocking comments by dentists because they were so unaware of how deeply a patient’s anxiety impacts their behavior.
Likewise, many patients don’t realize why they have such strong reactions to the dental office. They may have never had a bad experience with a dentist, but they break out in sweat and invent reasons to avoid making (or keeping) appointments just the same. They chide themselves for overreacting (or others make cutting remarks) and this all backfires into making the situation even worse.
Once, during a root canal, I couldn’t stop crying during the procedure. The dentist wasn’t hurting me, but I was having physical flashbacks of being trapped. I didn’t want to explain myself and I didn’t want to have to stop and reschedule, so I stayed still and silent. After she finished, she never even acknowledged my tears or anxiety. It was just business as usual.
When I worked in the dental field, I thought about getting additional training to share with other dental providers. I never followed through with it, but as I am continuing with my trauma certification program the idea has resurfaced for me.
How about you? Have you had fears/anxiety show up someplace unexpected like the dental office?
Feb 15, 2019 @ 00:17:55
Nice Post
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Feb 15, 2019 @ 07:57:04
Thank you Harland
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Feb 09, 2019 @ 11:09:20
I’m so glad you brought this up! I am a psychotherapist and have anxiety myself when I go to the dentist! I work with trauma clients as well, and clients have shared this same type of anxiety in other medical offices, especially OBGYN’s. They will have panic attacks and the medical staff is “business as usual”. I think it would be so helpful for medical staff have some time of education/awareness around this issue; Signs to look for, how to speak with patients; relaxation techniques; etc. Getting the conversation out there is a start, so thank you!
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Feb 14, 2019 @ 08:30:17
Hi Melanie!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this. I’m glad to be a part of the dialogue. I’m sure you encounter this topic in your practice too.
You make a very good point about people being triggered in other environments besides the dental office.
I looked at your website https://integrativetherapynashville.com/ and I am really impressed with your focus on trauma and women’s issues.
Thanks again for visiting and sharing!
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Feb 02, 2019 @ 01:43:30
So agree the dental chair is a vulnerable place to be, and sorry to hear of your less than amazing root canal experience. I had issues with my teeth and braces when I was a kid, and so going to the dentist was a regular thing. After a while, I just got used to going to the dentist, even expecting feeling some kind of pain during each visit. These days I also expect the worst when I got to the dentist, but usually it turns out all okay.
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Feb 03, 2019 @ 05:09:13
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. It sounds like your dental experiences continue to improve, for which I’m very glad! 😊
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Jan 31, 2019 @ 11:52:33
Some tortures are physical
And some are mental,
But the one that is both
Is dental.
Hell Yes!
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Jan 30, 2019 @ 10:43:36
I’ve never cried in the dentist’s chair (but I have at the ear doctor’s chair – same fear of being strapped down and a sharp instrument poking into a sore spot). I have chosen dentists who I really like – they are assuring and soft-spoken and kind. One dentist I used had his assistant take Reiki classes, and she offered Reiki to anyone who wanted. That really helped patients relax.
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Jan 31, 2019 @ 05:30:33
That’s a good point about ear Drs too. Very similar to the dentist.
Your dentist sounds incredibly thoughtful and considerate.
Thanks for visiting and sharing!
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Jan 31, 2019 @ 09:54:30
Reiki definitely would have helped with the ear doctor. That, or a martini. 🙂 xo
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Feb 01, 2019 @ 05:34:45
Haha! 🙂
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Jan 20, 2019 @ 12:21:52
Hi Denise,
You found my Achillies’ heel.
First, I did not push like on your blog post. I couldn’t.
I read a couple of words and then read at a speed of lightning to get through it. I did that a day or so ago. I wasn’t going to comment. Then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My mouth was watering, my ears are ringing….. sweating.. grumpy…distracted……you know the drill.
So, I decided to write you and tell you I am your IDEAL person for you to interview about this. I am a GREAT candidate.
I actually, kind of don’t want to talk about this. However, I appreciate all that you share and I want to support your efforts in learning more.
So here it goes. As you may know, Mr. Right was a counselor for 25 years. So you can imagine, we have had all sorts of friends, acquaintances, co-workers in the field of helping folks with issues.
I have asked for and been offered help too many times to count. To be perfectly honest, I have even paid an ENORMOUS amount of money to go to the University of Washington, Dental Fears Clinic for one year. I stopped going. Even the doctors and staff agreed that me continuing would be of no use.
The dentist & staff we currently have know me. I have on several occasions waited outside the office in the car and have not been able to go in. Once I waited inside the door for 45 minutes then had to leave.
I have horrible teeth. We all know this. It is something that haunts me and is with me daily.
a few notes: One of the reasons, of a cancer diagnosis, was most likely dental issues. Also, I was raised in a Christian Science background so taking medicine is a tricky situation. Had a horrid dentist when a child. Mr. Right had horrendous experiences as well. So while he is understanding, sometimes he doesn’t want to discuss either. (The tiny place he grew up in Quebec, had a visiting dentist once a month. He “accidentally” pulled the wrong tooth on the side of his mouth that was not numb.)
So, to sum up. I loathed your blog post. However, I want to support your efforts in education and for your future clients.
I think you are a kind and Compassionate person who will most likely help many, many people.
I wish you all kinds of encouragement and support.
You can most certainly ask any question you want. However, I would prefer to answer you in a private email. missdaleen@hotmail.com
Here’s to learning & growing in a positive direction.
Daleen
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Jan 20, 2019 @ 17:31:45
Daleen….I am in awe of your honesty and courage. Thank you for every word you have shared here. I will email you to touch base separately. Thank you again, you are the picture of bravery.
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Jan 15, 2019 @ 09:56:16
Very important! Let’s pray and hope people can receive our sharing about how we’re feeling. Denise, you are helping to get the word out!
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Jan 15, 2019 @ 14:11:36
Thanks Kathy!! I hope so too! ❤
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Jan 15, 2019 @ 04:34:21
I’ve never had trouble in the dentist’s chair, but I have spoken up a few times when the dentist was being too rough. I never thought about this trauma – thank you for opening my eyes. Yes, all medical professionals should be trained to recognize this.
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Jan 15, 2019 @ 14:12:29
Good for you for speaking up, Karen! It all helps the medical professionals to be more aware of patients. 🙂
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 10:26:52
I have so much anxiety at the dentist. Tomorrow I’m going to have a wisdom tooth removed. They asked me if I wanted to stay awake or go to sleep. I was astounded that anyone would choose to stay away (even though it is a lot cheaper!) I told them I have PTSD and if I stay awake that will not work out well for anyone. Thanks for posting this!
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 20:27:45
Hi Alexis
I agree!! I chose to be asleep for that too… I’ll be thinking of you, wishing you well and a speedy recovery!
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 20:29:17
Thank You! ❤️
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 04:19:43
This is such good information to share with others, Denise. It never occurred to me before, the vulnerability one must feel as a dental patient. So easy to assume no one likes the dentist because they usually cause pain–but there is other pain involved that I never considered. Thank you so much for this post!
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 06:09:29
You’re welcome Kate! And thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s always great to hear from you!
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Jan 12, 2019 @ 21:22:52
Yes, trauma revisits when we feel powerless.
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 06:09:56
Well said, Cindy!! so true! xoxo
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Jan 12, 2019 @ 19:36:27
Yes. I had some topical novacaine one time put on a cotton swab at the back of my mouth that felt like it anesthesized my swallow reflex. When it was hard to swallow I became very anxious. Not fun. That said, a hug to you.
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Jan 12, 2019 @ 19:37:19
Meant to say one time in the above.
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Jan 13, 2019 @ 06:11:56
That would be an awful feeling!! Thanks for sharing, Paulette! xoxo
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