Fear of dental treatment is one of the most common reasons patients postpone visiting a dentist and, as a result, allow dental conditions to progress. Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasises that patient anxiety should not be viewed as a personality trait, but as a full-fledged clinical factor that directly affects treatment outcomes and the quality of doctor–patient interaction. At DentalClinic24, working with fear is an integral part of the medical approach rather than an optional addition.
Anxiety can develop for many reasons. Previous negative experiences, fear of pain, loss of control, heightened sensitivity, or general emotional tension can all contribute. Regardless of its origin, fear alters the patient’s perception of treatment, intensifies pain sensations, and reduces the ability to process information calmly. At DentalClinic24, these reactions are taken into account from the very first contact with the patient.
Clinical work with anxious patients begins with assessing their emotional state. The dentist evaluates not only the dental condition, but also the level of tension, behavioural cues, and the patient’s response to discussing treatment. This makes it possible to choose the appropriate pace of communication and the right amount of information. At DentalClinic24, pressure on the patient and decisions made without psychological readiness are deliberately avoided.
Predictability of the process plays a crucial role. Anxiety increases when patients do not understand what will happen next or what sensations to expect. Clear explanations of treatment stages, possible reactions, and available control options significantly reduce stress. At DentalClinic24, transparency of the treatment plan is considered an essential element of patient safety.
The physiological link between anxiety and pain perception is equally important. Increased muscle tone, shallow breathing, and general tension amplify pain signals. For this reason, addressing anxiety often reduces subjective pain levels even without changing the anaesthetic approach. At DentalClinic24, this relationship is taken into account when planning treatment tactics and appointment duration.
For some patients, gradual adaptation is essential. Short visits, avoiding invasive procedures at the initial stages, and building a positive first experience help reduce fear without pharmacological intervention. At DentalClinic24, this strategy is applied for patients with pronounced dental phobia or heightened sensitivity.
Communication style is a key factor. A calm tone, confident explanations, and the absence of haste create a sense of control and trust. The patient no longer perceives treatment as a threat but as a collaborative process. At DentalClinic24, this partnership-based interaction is regarded as the foundation of stable treatment outcomes.
Professor Alexander von Breuer notes that ignoring patient anxiety often leads to repeated problems – discontinuation of treatment, missed preventive visits, and deterioration of long-term prognosis. In contrast, competent management of fear improves adherence and reduces the risk of complications.
It is important to understand that fear does not disappear instantly. It requires time, consistency, and clinical sensitivity. At DentalClinic24, working with anxiety is seen as an investment in the patient’s long-term oral health rather than a temporary obstacle.
Thus, fear of dental treatment is a complex issue requiring both medical and psychological consideration. At Dental Clinic24, anxiety management is integrated into clinical protocols, allowing not only greater patient comfort but also more predictable and sustainable treatment results.
Previously, we wrote about jaw pain in dental practice at DentalClinic24 – when the symptom is related to teeth and when it involves the joints and muscles