Dental Care Blog

Maybe the dentist should study the acupuncture treatment, because the experts claim that patients who fear dental treatment can overcome their fear after receiving the acupuncture therapy.

The findings are published in journals in medicine Acupuncture involves 20 patients with an average age of 40 years, who is so afraid of dental treatment for 20 to 30 years with moderate to severe levels of fear.

Fear / anxiety they are checked before and 5 minutes after acupuncture, and assessed using a questionnaire BAI (Back Anxiety Inventory). Acupuncture therapy performed for 5 minutes with a thin needles into specific points on the body that is 2 points at the top of his head. From inspection, it turns out BAI scores decreased significantly from 26.5 to 11.5 after acupuncture therapy, indicating the fear / anxiety is reduced and their patients want to receive dental care.

Although the number of patients who become research subjects only slightly, but all get good results. Many of the subjects of this study has tried a variety of ways to overcome their fears of dental treatment, including hypnosis and relaxation techniques but still at a stalemate. Meanwhile, acupuncture therapy is relatively safe, quick, and inexpensive.

According to Dr. Marshall H. Sager, former president of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture at Bala Cynwyd, evidence showing acupuncture to release endorphins which not only acts as a “pain killer” but also as a sedative / tranquilizer. Hormones such as opiates was made by the body and contribute to setting a sense of calm and reduce anxiety.

Results from this research is promising, according to Professor Damien Walmsley from the British Dental Association, but still requires further research to confirm the beneficial effects on patients with very severe fear of dental treatment, although patients who fear needles will be a challenge.

Tags: acupuncture, anxiety, dental diseases, Dental Treatment