Hypnosis in dentistry

Hypnosis is becoming a popular method in dentistry, particularly for managing dental anxiety. Despite its potential, a lack of understanding or exposure to hypnosis has led to its underutilization and undervaluation. Having learned clinical hypnotherapy nearly a decade ago, I can confirm that it has become one of the most effective tools I’ve incorporated into my behavior management techniques.

People often experience hypnosis in their daily lives without realizing it; daydreaming, for example, is a state of altered consciousness where one remains aware of their surroundings. Many dentists practice a form of hypnosis through their “chairside manner,” using positive language and reinforcement to create a relaxed state without formal hypnotic induction. The tone and words used can induce relaxation naturally. Hypnosis can be employed on its own or alongside other behavior management techniques. The use of suggestions pairs well with nitrous oxide inhalation sedation, although research and clinical reports in this area are limited.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, increased suggestibility, and deep relaxation, commonly referred to as a ‘trance.’ This state is often misrepresented by stage hypnosis, which portrays the person in trance as having lost control and acting out exaggerated behaviors, such as walking like a duck when instructed. In reality, the patient remains in control and cannot be made to do or accept anything that goes against their beliefs or wishes. Hypnosis enables a patient to access their unconscious mind to manage pain, alleviate anxiety, and control other clinical parameters.

What is it used for?

Clinical hypnosis is primarily employed to manage dental fear, anxiety, and phobia. Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue that affects many individuals, often preventing them from seeking necessary dental care. This in turn will cause delay in seeking treatment which may worsen the existing condition. Although dentists commonly use methods such as Tell-Show-Do, distraction, modelling, and positive reinforcement, there are many cases where treatment cannot proceed due to a patient’s anxiety. In such situations, the next step is often pharmacological approaches like oral or inhalational sedation. If these methods are ineffective, the patient may be scheduled for treatment under general anesthesia.

Hypnosis has also been shown to be very effective in the management of pain, be it intra or post-operative pain. A unique technique known as ‘glove anesthesia’ or “protective hand” to create a pain-free zone, which enables the operator to either to do a dental procedure without local anesthetic or increase the patient’s pain threshold. Glove anesthesia also enables the patient to retain the ability to create pain free areas by a simple touch of the affected area.

Hypnosis can be a powerful tool in dentistry for breaking harmful habits such as bruxism, nail-biting, or thumb-sucking. By guiding patients into a deeply relaxed state and providing positive, targeted suggestions, hypnotherapy helps reprogram the subconscious mind to reduce or eliminate these behaviors. Another habit to quit is smoking and there is abundant literature to support the use of hypnosis as a powerful tool for smoking cessation.

Hypnosis can be a valuable tool for dentists’ self-care, helping them manage stress and prevent burnout. Through self-hypnosis techniques, dentists can achieve a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity, reducing the physical and emotional toll of a demanding profession. By incorporating regular hypnosis sessions into their routines, dentists can improve their focus, enhance their resilience, and maintain a balanced and positive mindset. This not only benefits their personal well-being but also enhances their ability to provide compassionate and effective patient care.

Benefits of clinical hypnosis

A key feature of hypnosis is its ability to produce long-lasting changes. Helping a patient overcome anxiety extends beyond a single session, enabling them to cope with future dental visits as well. This approach is superior to pharmacological methods, which require medication to be administered at each treatment. Hence, utilizing hypnosis empowers patients to handle their fear in similar situations in the future.

Hypnosis can be performed anywhere and at any time without the need for specialized tools or equipment—just a script. It can easily be done chairside while the patient receives dental treatment. Some patients may benefit from sessions outside the clinic, in a private setting, to address specific issues before undergoing dental procedures.

Relaxed and anxiety-free patients are more likely to cooperate during dental treatments, resulting in more efficient and effective procedures. Bearing this is mind, I have incorporated simple hypnosis in my daily practice to create a conducive environment for the patient.

Many people might find it hard to envision how hypnosis can transform dental practice. However, experiencing it firsthand is convincing, and once you do, there’s no turning back.

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