By: David D. Rolf II, D.M.D., M.Sc.
Director of Education Dental1.org

Complications

Complications of dental anxiety, fear and phobia can include:

Dental Neglect:
Loss of teeth due to decay or gum disease; dental/oral pain; dental/oral infection; loss of chewing function.

Anxiety, Stress, Phobia or Panic Disorders:
If dental anxiety, fear or phobia is not treated effectively, these conditions can worsen and become both physically and psychologically debilitating. For example, depression can result from the burdens of untreated anxiety, fear, stress, phobia or panic disorder.

Drug abuse, dependency or alcoholism:
If patients choose to self medicate their condition with alcohol or other drugs rather than seek professional treatment, dependency on drugs or alcohol can result. This complicates matters for the patient, who is now suffering from two serious medical problems instead of just one. Drug dependency or alcoholism may act as a barrier that can interfere with the patient getting appropriate professional treatment.

Dangerous drug interactions, side effects or complications during and after treatment:
Patients who self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs are at an increased risk for dangerous drug interactions, side effects or complications during and after treatment, especially if the doctor is not informed of the situation. A patient with a drug or alcohol problem may have bleeding and healing problems, difficulty with anesthesia or sedation and difficulty with heart and breathing function.

Last updated: 26-Dec-06