A case of periodontal treatment for Dental Phobia Patients

Abstract

キーワード：歯科恐怖症，ナラティブベイスド・メディスン，歯周基本治療 A 44-year-old female patient with dental phobia was treated with a narrative-based approach and was successfully transitioned from periodontal treatment to stable SPT. The patient had been avoiding dental visits for many years due to a fear of dental treatment, despite her anterior teeth being on the verge of exfoliation. Based on the patient's complaints, we concluded that she had a strong inferiority complex about her teeth and had been avoiding dental visits even though she was aware of the need for dental treatment. At the initial visit, the patient was extremely nervous and did not voluntarily speak out and seemed to have difficulty in speaking due to embarrassment. Over the course of six sessions of basic periodontal therapy, the patient gradually became less tense, and her eye contact and spontaneous conversation increased while some signs of comfortableness were seen in changes in speaking speed and voice volume. This was accompanied by a marked improvement in plaque control and the ability to transition to periodontal surgery. The author was taught the importance of gaining the patient's trust through a respectful attitude, as well as the importance of narrative-based approach and nonverbal communication.