Capital Hypnotherapy Center

Studies show that approximately one-third of adults in the United States had not visited a dentist for treatment within the previous year. Fear of dental treatment is a significant barrier to receiving appropriate dental care. Hypnotherapy for dental phobias (hypnodontia) can:

Reduce anxiety and fear of pain

Maintain a patient's comfort during long periods of dental work

Decrease bruxism (grinding) and TMJ pain

Decrease anesthesia dosage

Prevent gagging and nausea

Control bleeding and salivary flow

Alleviate TMJ pain

One of the most innocuous causes of dental anxieties that I have observed is the gag reflex (Vagus nerve). Many dental procedures can elicit this response such as a standard exam, X-rays, trays for impressions, taking medication before or after dental or surgical procedures, and performing an oral cancer exam. Even brushing the teeth will cause gagging in some patients.

This one aspect of the dental experience can cause the patient to avoid coming to the dentist altogether, avoid periodic x-rays, which can detect problems when they are small, limit the compliance to home dental procedures, make the patient not accept complicated dental procedures (which include crown, bridges, and/or implants) that would enhance the quality of the dental and physical health of the patient.

A simple procedure can diminish the gag reflex and make dental visits much easier for the patient. I have used this procedure for decades with great success on my patients. My father, Dr. Harry Aks, formerly a professor of dentistry at University of Maryland Dental School, used hypnoanesthesia in his dental practice while making dental injections on his patients.

Here is a brief case study of how I use hypnotherapy for dental phobias:

Howard is a patient with a history of severe TMJ pain who required a TENS unit to complete a prophylaxis appointment. Upon presenting to our office, he complained that, even when using his occlussal guard at night, he woke up in great pain. His jaw was completely out of alignment and he was unable to close his teeth together. I suggested we try hypnosis and he skeptically agreed. Through progressive relaxation and guided imagery, the muscles of his head, neck and especially the TMJ were successfully and completely relaxed, followed by stress reduction throughout the rest of his body. To our delight, he returned to full alertness with the ability to completely close his teeth together completely without any pain! The following day he was still enjoying the complete relaxation of his facial muscles and we were able to finish his crown prep.