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DENTAL HYPNOSIS
Over the centuries, ever since the dawn of modern dentistry, Dental Phobia or “dentophobia” has been recognized and is cited to be a phobia that can be found in most individuals. For people suffering from dentophobia, the idea of regular checkups at the Dentist is the last thing on their mind. Dental Phobia is the taut and exaggerated fear of dentists or any sort of dental procedure. Even though dentophobia is sometimes said to be irrational, it manages to cause significant psychological stress and may even temporarily amend the social functioning of the individual. However it is equally argued to be a fairly logical phobia, since dentistry involves the use of many sharp utensils, and high powered ear piercing drilling tools. When used in a sensitive area, such as teeth, gums and the inner wall of the mouth, is likely to prompt a sense of thorough panic and fear. Dentophobia comprises of a number of fears varying from patient to patient. Nowadays, dentists are looking towards Dental Hypnosis, which is a method to assist patients with dentophobia to overcome this disorder, so they can be more at ease when on the dentist’s chair. Earlier temporary anaesthesia, and for complex dental operations, general anaesthesia were given to patients. Even though it is still widely practised today, it is not always preferable and safe. Most of the time patients are very unwilling and even doctors don’t always support it, as there are many possible threats brought about by anaesthesia; some of them being, the patient not regaining consciousness at all or partial paralysis. This is where Dental Hypnosis comes in. Presently, Dental Hypnosis is undoubtedly the best alternative to Anaesthesia. Hypnosis is cited as procedure in which an individual reaches a subconscious state of state of mind, also known as a ‘trance’. Once in a trance, a patient is unaware or is lulled from the excruciating pain wreaked by dental tools and hurting dental procedures. Dental hypnosis allows the patient to remain calm during intricate dental procedures, and if the pain is very diminutive or not present, Dental hypnosis helps to conserve his/her expression of fear set off by Dentophobia. Some of the other common problems that relate to Dentophobia are gagging, blood flow and teeth-grinding, and excessive salivation. These problems can also be avoided and lessened with the use of Dental hypnosis. Where normal hypnosis is carried out by a professional hypnotist, or psychologist, Dental hypnosis is mostly self-generated through visualizing things that represent calmness and composure e.g. a beach scene. Listening to soothing music also helps patients to relax and quest off into a sub-conscious state of mind. There are many other uses of hypnosis in dentistry, and all tend to prove calming or numbing to the patient. Hypnotic analgesia comes in very handy, as sometimes patients are suffering from various medical conditions or allergies, where the uses of chemical intoxicants for anaesthesia are dangerous and strictly prohibited. Dental hypnosis also helps to obtain more vascular control, in order to control bleeding in patients with haemophilia. Even though Dental hypnosis is proven to be very effective, there are numerous side effects, however these tend to be very mild. Sometimes these side effects are more significant following hypnotic inductions in the past, if any. Common side effects include loss of temper, excessive crying or sobbing, hyperventilation, uncontrolled aggression, increased anxiety, dizziness, and various degrees of nausea. Be sure that your dentist is licensed and registered to conduct dental hypnosis. If done incorrectly, hypnosis can be very harmful for the mind and make your body vulnerable to other health risks.
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