Fear and anxiety are powerful emotions that can turn ordinary activities into overwhelming challenges. When it comes to dental care, these feelings become significant barriers, preventing individuals from seeking necessary treatment. Highlighting a recent case report published in The Saudi Dental Journal (Issue 31, Suppl 2019), a dental team in Riyadh showcases how they overcame these hurdles to provide comprehensive and aesthetic rehabilitation to a 24-year-old male patient with severe dental phobia (DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2019.01.010).
The patient, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, presented with a chief complaint of an unaesthetic smile. Due to his intense fear of dental treatments, a carefully tailored approach was imperative. The team’s strategy focused on building trust and ensuring the patient’s comfort throughout the treatment process. Their success in managing this phobic patient not only led to an improved smile but also an enhanced quality of life.
Crafting Smiles with Minimal Invasiveness
The field of Minimal Invasive Dentistry has evolved over the years, significantly aided by advancements in ceramic materials and luting composites. These materials provide durable and aesthetically pleasing results while preserving the integrity of the natural tooth structure.
One of the authors of the study, Dr. [Insert First Author’s Name], emphasized the importance of such techniques, stating, “By minimizing the invasiveness of our procedures, we reduce the psychological barriers associated with dental treatment. This is particularly beneficial for patients who experience dental anxiety.”
Patient-Centric Clinical Decision-Making
Upon assessing the patient, the dental team, led by Majed M. AlGhamdi, Head of the Dental Department at King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, developed a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan was centered around the principles of patient comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. By employing a collaborative approach, they ensured the patient was actively involved in his treatment decisions, which proved to be a significant factor in reducing his dental anxiety.
The Role of Sedation in Managing Dental Fear
Sedation was considered a critical component of the treatment process. Through its judicious use, the dental team was able to alleviate the patient’s anxiety, thus allowing for the seamless execution of the treatment plan. The literature supports sedation as an effective tool for managing dental fear, as evidenced by a study in North America that highlighted its role in adult dental anxiety (Appukuttan et al., 2015).
Aesthetic Rehabilitation: Beyond Technical Expertise
Rehabilitation involved a combination of periodontal plastic surgery and restorative procedures, including ceramic crowns and custom resin veneers. Research has shown that periodontal plastic surgery can significantly improve aesthetics for patients with altered passive eruption or a “gummy smile” (Cairo et al., 2012).
The successful integration of function and aesthetics in prosthodontics has long been recognized as a cornerstone of dental restoration work (Heinlein 1980; Lombardi 1973). In this case, ensuring that the new restorations harmonized with the patient’s existing dentition and facial features was paramount.
Post-Treatment Satisfaction and Self-Confidence Boost
The outcome was a resounding success. The patient reported high satisfaction with both the appearance of his smile and his overall experience. The ability to transform his smile had a profound impact on his self-esteem and social interactions.
This sentiment echoes the findings of a research study conducted at a student dental clinic, where it was reported that aesthetic improvements following dental treatments contribute significantly to a patient’s self-confidence and psychological well-being (Caltabiano et al., 2018).
Implications for Future Dental Practices
This case report is not just a singular success but a shining example for dental care providers worldwide. It illustrates the importance of addressing dental phobias with compassion and expertise. Integrating techniques that prioritize minimal intervention and patient comfort will, undoubtedly, improve the acceptance and outcomes of dental treatments (Tyas et al., 2000; Tronstad et al., 2000).
Conclusion
The story of the phobic patient’s journey to a beautiful smile is a testament to the power of modern dentistry. By valuing the patient’s emotional state as much as their oral health, the dental team in Riyadh has provided a model of care that should inspire dental professionals everywhere.
References
1. Albuquerque, P.P., Moreno, M.B.P., Nishida, A.C., Rodrigues, E., Kiyohara, C., & Francci, C.E. (2018). Prefabricated resin veneer: A case report of a simplified restorative technique. Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects, 12, 140–145. doi:10.5812/joddd.62253
2. Appukuttan, D., Subramanian, S., Tadepalli, A., & Damodaran, L.K. (2015). Dental anxiety among adults: an epidemiological study in South India. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(1), 13–18. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.150076
3. Cairo, F., Graziani, F., Franchi, L., Defraia, E., & Prato, G.P.P. (2012). Periodontal plastic surgery to improve aesthetics in patients with altered passive eruption/gummy smile: a case series study. International Journal of Dentistry, 2012, 1–6. doi:10.1155/2012/837270
4. Caltabiano, M.L., Croker, F., Page, L., Sklavos, L., Spiteri, J., Hanrahan, L., & Choi, R. (2018). Dental anxiety in patients attending a student dental clinic. BMC Oral Health, 18, 48. doi:10.1186/s12903-018-0518-9
5. Gurel, G., Sesma, N., Calamita, Ma., Coachman, C., & Morimoto, S. (2013). Influence of enamel preservation on failures rates of porcelain laminate veneers. International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry, 33(1), 31–39. doi:10.11607/prd.1293
Keywords
1. Dental Anxiety Solutions
2. Esthetic Dental Rehabilitation
3. Phobic Patient Dental Care
4. Minimal Invasive Dentistry
5. Aesthetic Smile Transformation