Trypanophobia anyone?

Whilst widely believed to be a fictional term that originated on Wikipedia rather than something deep-rooted in medical science, trypanophobia has found its way into the English language as another name for needle phobia.

Aichmophobia (another dubious term for a morbid fear of sharp or pointed objects); trypanophobia; needle phobia – call it what you will – this is something that is all too familiar to clinicians. Few patients relish the idea of having an injection into any part of their mouth, let alone intraligamental injections in multiple regions. Administering anaesthesia is one of the main hurdles that clinicians face on a daily basis; something that is a particular challenge when treating anxious or needle-phobic patients.

Needle phobia may not seem a serious problem to some, but it can have far-reaching consequences. Those affected have usually avoided visiting a dentist for years and are putting up with toothache, gum disease and other serious oral health problems as a result. They may fear the pain of the injection or that the injection will cause a bodily injury. Some fear an injection may pass on disease or are worried about the anaesthetic causing them serious side effects.

Many people, when asked, know their needle phobia is irrational, but it’s still very real. In most cases, the fear stems from a past traumatic incident where they can specify an exact time when they first had a bad experience with needles at a hospital, GP surgery or dentist.

When treating anxious patients, it’s essential to spend time discussing their concerns and then providing treatments in a manner that exceeds their expectations and takes away their pain and their fears. Taking the discomfort out of dentistry for our patients is something any dentist should strive for, especially when it comes to injections.

Help is at hand

Within the next few years, the dental injection as we know it could become a thing of the past, thanks to new innovative alternatives. There is an increasing choice of greatly improved motorised injection systems that provide a slow, steady and comfortable flow of anaesthesia. The rate of delivery is important, as rapid delivery tears delicate tissues apart and always causes pain. In contrast, slow delivery anaesthesia diffuses gently into the tissue spaces so the patient feels little or no discomfort.

Computer-assisted injection systems offer ease of use, reliability, portability and safety. Suitable for intraligamental + PDL (PerioDontal Ligament), infiltrations, palatal and regional nerve blocks, the majority of patients feel absolutely nothing, taking away their anxiety during treatment.

Don’t let your patients get the needle about a trip to the dentist. Patients really appreciate this special level of care, and taking away the fear of the dental injection leads to more relaxed patients and, ultimately, a more relaxed dentist.

To find out how you can benefit from more comfortable injections, click here and we’ll be in touch with our recommended solutions. 

Visit www.calaject.co.uk or contact Evident on Freephone 0808 1000 888.