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Dental phobia delays diagnosis in 15% of Spaniards
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Dental phobia often stems from negative past experiences, frequently during childhood, although it can also be an irrational fear with no specific cause. The result is the same: diagnosis is delayed, and problems that would have been minor arrive at the dentist's office as more complex treatments.
Dr. Irene Esteve, an expert in aesthetic dentistry, who has made the emotional aspect of dentistry part of her way of working, advocates an approach focused on trust.
“I’ve always been clear that I didn’t want to dedicate my life solely to fixing teeth, but to making people happy. You don’t convince a fearful patient, you support them. Explaining each step before taking it, going slowly, and giving them back control completely changes the experience. Most people aren’t afraid of the treatment itself, they’re afraid of what they don’t understand or can’t anticipate. We have tools to make it manageable: from calm and unhurried communication to conscious sedation in cases where it’s necessary. No one should lose teeth because they’re afraid to sit in the dental chair,” explains Dr. Esteve.
The doctor remembers that postponing the visit feeds one's own fear, because it aggravates the problem and makes a long treatment more likely.Returning to check-ups with a simple, hands-off first appointment is usually the best starting point..