Proper Management of a Phobic Patient to Complete Comprehnsive Dental Care: Case Report

Performing dental treatment on fearful and anxious patient can be a daunting task, both for the healthcare provider as well as the patient. Approximately 7 to 10% of Americans experience dental phobia, leading to avoidance of dental treatment and delaying dental care as they only present during emergencies and palliative care. Proper understanding and management of the patient’s chief concern during the emergency visit is essential to gain patient’s trust to continue comprehensive treatment. The purpose of this case report is to describe how a 40-year old female with dental phobia who presented as an emergency with pain and swelling in the right cheek, was properly managed by a general care practitioner allowing her continue comprehensive evaluation and treatment which including several surgical procedures. This report highlights the concerns, history, diagnosis, and management of a patient with dental phobia.

Author(s): Tasadaq Khakwani, Suhasini Mandiga, Natalia Elson and Denise Foran

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