Overview
Dentophobia is the intense fear of dental visits and dental procedures, affecting oral health due to avoidance of necessary care. In Korea, this condition is increasingly recognized, and dental hospitals such as Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Asan Medical Center Dental Clinic, and Samsung Medical Center Dental Department provide supportive approaches including sedation dentistry and counseling to help patients overcome their fear.
What is Dentophobia?
Dentophobia, also known as dental anxiety or dental phobia, is a persistent and excessive fear of dental procedures. It can lead to avoidance of dental care, worsening oral health, and increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. This condition can affect individuals of any age.
Symptoms
- Intense anxiety or panic at the thought of visiting a dentist
- Sweating, trembling, or rapid heartbeat before or during appointments
- Nausea or dizziness
- Avoidance of dental care
- Difficulty sleeping prior to dental visits
- Emotional distress and irritability
Causes
- Traumatic past experiences at the dentist
- Fear of pain or needles
- Negative stories or media about dental procedures
- Sensory sensitivities (sounds, smells, or sights in the dental clinic)
- General anxiety disorders or phobias
Risk Factors
- History of painful dental experiences
- High general anxiety or other phobias
- Poor coping skills for stressful situations
- Lack of exposure to dental care during childhood
- Parents with dental fear (may influence children)
Complications
- Avoidance of regular dental check-ups
- Progression of untreated dental conditions (cavities, gum disease)
- Increased need for invasive treatments due to delayed care
- Negative impact on overall oral health and quality of life
- Emotional distress and reduced self-confidence
Prevention
- Gradual exposure to dental settings from childhood
- Education about dental procedures to reduce fear
- Positive reinforcement and reward systems for children
- Regular dental visits to establish routine and familiarity
- Use of relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
Treatment Options in Korea
Treatment focuses on managing anxiety and improving tolerance to dental care.
- Diagnosis
- Psychological assessment for phobia severity
- Interviews about dental history and fear triggers
- Observation during initial dental visits
- Medical and Psychological Treatments
- Sedation dentistry (oral or intravenous) for anxious patients
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address fear
- Relaxation and mindfulness techniques
- Gradual exposure to dental procedures in a controlled setting
- Use of topical anesthetics to reduce discomfort
- Supportive Care
- Patient-centered communication and reassurance
- Pain control strategies during dental procedures
- Scheduling appointments at convenient times to reduce stress
- Education on oral hygiene to prevent future invasive treatments
- Specialized Hospitals and Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital – Sedation and anxiety management
- Asan Medical Center Dental Clinic – Supportive dental care for anxious patients
- Samsung Medical Center Dental Department – Comprehensive phobia-friendly dentistry
- Local clinics offering gentle dentistry and behavioral support
- Long-Term Follow-Up
- Regular dental visits to maintain oral health
- Reinforcement of coping strategies and behavioral techniques
- Continued support from dental professionals to reduce relapse of fear
- Education for families to support children with dental anxiety
