Anxiety Index

It's estimated that more than 40 million people in North America suffer from anxiety about dental treatment, so much so, that they avoid care altogether. And about half of all adults experience at least moderate degrees of dental anxiety. To make matters worse, anxious patients generally take at least 20 percent more time to treat for each procedure and often the quality of treatment is compromised.

How to Recognise Dental Anxiety

People who are anxious about dentistry usually have either had a bad experience as a child or within the last year. This bad experience may have included pain (especially if it was not acknowledged by the dentist) or feelings the dentist lacked empathy, honesty or otherwise embarrassed them during treatment. Probably the best way to recognise dental anxiety is to ask the following questions and then tally up your score at the end of the questionnaire:

1. If you had to go to the dentist tomorrow, how would you feel about it?

a) I would look forward to it as a reasonably enjoyable experience

b) I wouldn't care one way or the other

c) I would be a little uneasy about it

d) I would be afraid that it would be unpleasant and painful

e) I would be very frightened of what the dentist might do

 

2. When you're waiting in the dentist's office for your turn in the chair, how do you feel?

a) Relaxed

b) A little uneasy

c) Tense

d) Anxious

e) So anxious I sometimes feel a little sweaty or unsettled stomach

 

3. When you're in the dentist's chair waiting while the doctor gets the drill ready to begin working on your teeth, how do you feel?

a) Relaxed

b) A little uneasy

c) Tense

d) Anxious

e) So anxious I sometimes feel a little sweaty or unsettled in my stomach

 

4. When you're in the dentist's chair to have your teeth cleaned and waiting for the dentist or hygienist to get the instruments ready to scrape your teeth around the gums, how do you feel?

a) Relaxed

b) A little uneasy

c) Tense

d) Anxious

e) So anxious I sometimes feel a little sweaty or unsettled stomach

 

5. Has fear of dental work ever caused you to put off making an appointment?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

6. Has fear of dental work ever caused you to cancel or not appear for your appointment?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

7. During dental treatment does your muscles become and feel tense?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

8. During dental treatment does your heart beat faster or stronger?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

9. During dental treatment do you feel like you are going to gag?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

10. During dental treatment do you feel like you need to swallow frequently because of extra saliva or 'stuff' in your mouth?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

11. During dental treatment do you feel like you have difficulty breathing?

a) Never

b) Once or twice

c) A few times

d) Often

e) Nearly every time

 

12. During treatment, do you feel dentists don't take your concerns seriously?

a) Never

b) A little

c) Somewhat

d) Often

e) Nearly always

 

13. During treatment, do you feel dentists put you down or make light of your concerns?

a) Never

b) A little

c) Somewhat

d) Often

e) Nearly always

 

14. Do you feel uncomfortable asking questions about dental treatment you may need?

a) Never

b) A little

c) Somewhat

d) Often

e) Nearly always

 

15. Does the thought of "hearing all the bad news" or completing the work needed is enough to keep you from going for, or finishing treatment?

a) Never

b) A little

c) Somewhat

d) Often

e) Nearly always

Determining Your Score

Give yourself:

• 1 point for each "A" answer

• 2 points for each "B" answer

• 3 points for each "C" answer

• 4 points for each "D" answer

• 5 points for each "E" answer

If you scored 45 or above, you would most definitely benefit from sedation or anaesthesia for some or all of your dental treatment.

At Dentistry Asleep®,Dr. Kevin Dann offers dental hygiene services, routine dental care for adults and children, periodontal and endodontic therapy,  cosmetic dental procedures and dental implants. Dr. Dann is one of the few Certified Specialists in Dental Anaesthesia, giving complete, comfortable care to all his valued patients. Enjoy experienced, anxiety-free dental healthcare!  Make your appointment now!