Believe it or not, there is an actual syndrome that is called Dental Anxiety. Numerous studies have been performed on the topic. One such study resulted in the following questionnaire, developed by J.H. Clarke and S. Rustvold, Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, 1993, and revised in 1998. This scale helps dentists, especially emergency dentists, determine how to treat certain patients.
If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, please print out this form and rank your concerns or anxiety over the dental procedures listed below. Please fill in any additional concerns and bring to your appointment or your visit to your emergency dentist in Gahanna, Ohio.
Level of Concern or Anxiety
1. Sound or vibration of the drill: Low Moderate High Don’t know
2. Not being numb enough: Low Moderate High Don’t know
3. Dislike the numb feeling: Low Moderate High Don’t know
4. Injection (“Novocain”): Low Moderate High Don’t know
5. Probing to assess gum disease: Low Moderate High Don’t know
6. The sound or feel of scraping during teeth cleaning: Low Moderate High Don’t know
7. Gagging, for example during impressions of the mouth: Low Moderate High Don’t know
8. X-rays: Low Moderate High Don’t know
9. Rubber dam: Low Moderate High Don’t know
10. Jaw gets tired: Low Moderate High Don’t know
11. Cold air hurts teeth: Low Moderate High Don’t know
12. Not enough information about procedures: Low Moderate High Don’t know
13. Root canal treatment: Low Moderate High Don’t know
14. Extraction: Low Moderate High Don’t know
15. Fear of being injured: Low Moderate High Don’t know
16. Panic attacks: Low Moderate High Don’t know
17. Not being able to stop the dentist: Low Moderate High Don’t know
18. Not feeling free to ask questions: Low Moderate High Don’t know
19. Not being listened to or taken seriously: Low Moderate High Don’t know
20. Being criticized, put down, or lectured to: Low Moderate High Don’t know
21. Smells in the dental office: Low Moderate High Don’t know
22. I am worried that I may need a lot of dental treatment: Low Moderate High Don’t know
23. I am worried about the cost of the dental treatment I may need: Low Moderate High Don’t know
24. I am worried about the number of appointments and the time that will be required for necessary appointments and treatment; time away from work, or the need for childcare or transportation: Low Moderate High Don’t know
25. I am embarrassed about the condition of my mouth: Low Moderate High Don’t know
26. I don’t like feeling confined or not in control: Low Moderate High Don’t know
Keep in mind that your emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio may or may not have time to use this tool. It is suggested that when you call for an appointment, that you notify staff at Easton Dental that you are concerned or experience dental anxiety. If you decide to take this assessment, be prepared to discuss with Dr. Gilmer to ensure the best possible care.
