Open wide and relax: How hypnotherapy eases dental anxiety

Dental anxiety is a widespread issue, affecting a significant portion of the population. This anxiety often leads to avoidance of dental visits, resulting in deteriorating oral health and the need for more invasive treatments.

According to the latest data from gov.uk, dental anxiety is a significant concern in the UK, affecting a substantial portion of the population. The Adult Oral Health Survey 2021 found that one in eight adults (12%) experience extreme dental anxiety. The survey also revealed that certain dental procedures trigger higher anxiety levels:​

• 28% of adults feel very or extremely anxious about having a tooth drilled.
• 25% experience similar anxiety regarding local anaesthetic injections.
• 12% feel very or extremely anxious while sitting in the waiting room.​

Gov.uk also says fear of the dentist is more prevalent in women than men with 16% of women reporting extreme dental anxiety compared to 8% of men; and younger adults exhibit higher anxiety levels, with 14% of those aged 16 to 24 experiencing extreme dental anxiety, decreasing to 6% among those aged 75.

How to manage pain without medication 

What can you do? Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy are effective tools in managing pain and alleviating fears associated with medical procedures. These therapies work by addressing the subconscious mind’s perception of pain and anxiety, facilitating a more relaxed and controlled response to treatments.

There are several proven techniques used to assist patients in managing pain and anxiety more effectively. These include:

The control room technique

This method involves guiding patients into a hypnotic state where they visualise a mental 'control room' - a place in their mind where they have control over various aspects of their sensory experience. In this imagined control room, they can visualise dials, switches, or sliders that control the 'volume' of their pain perception. By mentally adjusting these settings, they can reduce the intensity of discomfort.

For example, a patient might imagine turning down the pain dial from a high level to a lower, more manageable level or even turning it off completely. This technique empowers individuals to regain control over their pain response and is particularly useful for chronic pain sufferers or those undergoing dental and medical procedures.

Reframing and hypno-healing

Pain is not just a physical sensation; it is deeply influenced by our thoughts and emotions. Reframing helps patients alter their interpretation of pain, transforming distressing sensations into more manageable experiences.

Through guided hypnotherapy, patients are encouraged to reinterpret pain as a sign of healing rather than something harmful. For instance, a burning sensation might be reimagined as a warm, soothing sensation that signals the body’s natural recovery process. By changing how the brain perceives pain, individuals can significantly reduce their distress and discomfort.

Numbing techniques for natural anaesthesia

This powerful method uses hypnosis to create a natural anaesthetic effect in specific areas of the body. By focusing on a particular region, such as the gums during a dental procedure, for example, patients can mentally 'numb' the area, significantly reducing or eliminating pain sensations.

One common technique involves visualising the hand as being immersed in icy water until it becomes completely numb. Once the hand feels cold and desensitised, the patient is guided to transfer this numbness to the area of discomfort - such as the jaw or a sore tooth - leading to a pain-free experience without medication.

This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who have sensitivities to anaesthetics or a strong fear of injections.

Disassociation: Separating awareness from discomfort

Disassociation is a powerful technique that allows patients to mentally separate themselves from their pain. Rather than experiencing pain directly, they are guided to imagine watching themselves from a distance, as though they were observing another person undergoing the procedure.

By stepping outside of the experience, patients reduce their emotional response to pain, significantly decreasing anxiety and discomfort. This method is commonly used in hypnotherapy for managing chronic pain, dental phobia, and even childbirth pain.

Practical tips for managing pain and fear

While working with a professional is recommended for deep and lasting results, there are several techniques individuals can practice on their own to help manage pain and anxiety:

Identify your triggers

Pay close attention to what exactly is stressing you out. Is it the act of making the appointment, arriving at the clinic, the waiting room atmosphere, sitting in the dental chair, or a specific piece of equipment? Identifying your specific fears allows you to create targeted strategies to manage them.

Name your fear

Acknowledge your fear by giving it a name or concrete form. By defining it clearly, you can start taking steps to overcome it rather than letting it remain an undefined source of anxiety.

Ask for numbing or anaesthetic options

If pain is your main concern, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for numbing gels or anaesthetic options. Many modern dental procedures offer effective pain management options, and simply knowing that these are available can help reduce anxiety.

Communicate with your dentist

Be upfront with your dentist about your fears. Let them know how much you want to be informed (or how little) during the procedure. Some people find comfort in knowing every step of the process, while others prefer not to hear any details.

Use distraction techniques

Engage your mind with positive distractions. Focus on your breathing - slow and controlled breaths help activate the body’s relaxation response. Closing your eyes and imagining yourself in a relaxing place (a beach, a forest, or a cozy room) can shift your focus away from fear and discomfort.

Try progressive muscle relaxation

Tensing and relaxing different muscle groups can help alleviate tension and prevent the body from entering a fear-induced state of rigidity.

Working with a professional

When considering NLP and hypnotherapy for pain management and dental fear, it is crucial to consult with a qualified professional. A certified hypnotherapist or NLP practitioner can tailor sessions to address individual concerns, ensuring a safe and effective therapeutic experience.

By integrating NLP and hypnotherapy into pain management strategies, individuals can overcome dental fears, chronic pain and anxiety, leading to improved overall well-being and a renewed sense of control over their body and mind.

If you’re ready to explore how these techniques can help you, reach out to a hypnotherapist today and start your journey to a pain-free, fearless future.