Acupuncture relieves fear of dentist

Acupuncture relieves fear of dentist

Most times, fear of the dentist has roots in childhood, after the first uncomfortable or painful dental treatment. This traumatic experience can trigger fear of dentist for life.

Patients suffering from excessive dental anxiety can be cured by an easy and painless: acupuncture. British Medical Association cited a Swedish study published in the journal "Medicine acupuncture," the authors of the study say that acupuncture can be a simple and necostitoare treatment for patients who are afraid of the dentist.
 Acupuncture relieves fear of dentist
Worst enemy: dental drill

To overcome this problem, dentists resort to various methods, such as sedation, relaxation techniques, behavioral therapy, biofeedback and hypnosis. These results, according to the study authors, if properly used spare time for both dentist and patient.
Acupuncture relieves fear of dentist
Methods:

8 dentists have handled 21 cases requiring treatment dental anxiety. Anxiety level was assessed Anxiety Inventory (BAI, Beck Anxiety Inventory). Only patients with moderate to severe anxiety were included (with the BAI ≥ 16).

The remaining 20 patients, 16 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 40.3 years had a median BAI score of 26.5 at baseline. BAI score was assessed before and after treatment by acupuncture. All patients were treated by acupuncture for 5 minutes before dental treatment.

Treatment was successful. After the 5 minute puncture, anxiety levels decreased from 26.5 to 11.5 and all patients were able to start dental treatment. Previously, dental treatment was only possible in six patients and with a great effort from the doctor and the patient.
Acupuncture relieves fear of dentist
Conclusion

Acupuncture prior to dental treatment has a beneficial effect on the level of anxiety in patients with dental anxiety, being a simple and necostitoare. However, the current results should be tested in a larger clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in patients with dental anxiety.