The first step of the AUBACKE therapy is understanding your very personal anxiety. In a detailed conversation – deliberately away from the dental chair – you describe, in your own words, your past experiences, fears, and expectations.
In doing so, we identify no treatment takes place beforehand, except in cases of acute pain or emergencies.
The goal of the anxiety analysis is to understand your individual history with anxiety and identify the triggers behind your dental fear. If you wish, you're welcome to bring someone you trust. In cases of severe anxiety, the conversation can also take place outside the practice.
You set the pace – we listen.
In the second step of overcoming anxiety, a gentle dental examination takes place. Your dental status is assessed without a probe to avoid triggering fear; beforehand, a personal stop signal is agreed upon so you retain control at all times.
It's important to distinguish between the objective dental findings (the dentist's assessment) and the subjective dental findings (your own perception, wishes, and ideas). If a solution exists based on the objective findings, that possible treatment step is discussed first – experience shows that problems you recognize yourself increase your willingness to move forward with treatment.
In addition, the anxiety questionnaire is completed, psychological tests are evaluated, and diagnostic referrals are arranged if needed. X-rays are usually taken, typically a panoramic image of all teeth (OPG), supplemented by individual images if necessary.
During the consultation, you're informed about dental treatment anxiety clarified: it's a serious anxiety disorder that, by causing avoidance of dental visits, can harm both dental and overall health. At the same time, it's put into perspective that while many people find dental treatments unpleasant, only a small portion of the population suffers from severe anxiety.
Following this, there is preliminary treatment planning. During this, psychological anxiety-management techniques (such as exposure therapy) are explained, along with alternatives like medication or general anesthesia. Your dental findings are discussed (tooth preservation, treatment options, gums, dentures). You make the final decision on the treatment path yourself, with the dentist advising along the way. A trial treatment can help build confidence in your decision.
The initial treatment proceeds step by step according to your individual anxiety hierarchy. You're clearly informed about the procedure beforehand and start with treatments that are as low-anxiety and well-tolerated as possible. Alternative options such as sedation or general anesthesia are discussed with you, and the anxiety hierarchy is continuously adjusted along the way.
The central principle is systematic desensitization following the MiniMax principle: minimal anxiety for maximum benefit. After each exercise, a short follow-up discussion takes place, reflecting on the course of anxiety, thoughts, physical reactions, behavior, and possible avoidance, so the next step can be planned with confidence.
In the success and maintenance phase, you have overcome your anxiety and your teeth have been restored. The goal is to maintain this state long-term and address any newly arising fears early on. This is achieved through regular preventive care and structured Recall-System follow-up schedule for check-up appointments.
Similar to a booster, any remaining residual anxiety can be discussed with the practitioner as needed and serves to prevent relapse. It's also important not to fall back into avoiding dental treatment, but to keep dealing with it openly, in order to secure the treatment's success in the long term.
In the second step of overcoming anxiety, a gentle dental examination takes place. Your dental status is assessed without a probe to avoid triggering fear; beforehand, a personal stop signal is agreed upon so you retain control at all times.
It's important to distinguish between the objective dental findings (the dentist's assessment) and the subjective dental findings (your own perception, wishes, and ideas). If a solution exists based on the objective findings, that possible treatment step is discussed first – experience shows that problems you recognize yourself increase your willingness to move forward with treatment.
In addition, the anxiety questionnaire is completed, psychological tests are evaluated, and diagnostic referrals are arranged if needed. X-rays are usually taken, typically a panoramic image of all teeth (OPG), supplemented by individual images if necessary.
During the consultation, you're informed about dental treatment anxiety clarified: it's a serious anxiety disorder that, by causing avoidance of dental visits, can harm both dental and overall health. At the same time, it's put into perspective that while many people find dental treatments unpleasant, only a small portion of the population suffers from severe anxiety.
Following this, there is preliminary treatment planning. During this, psychological anxiety-management techniques (such as exposure therapy) are explained, along with alternatives like medication or general anesthesia. Your dental findings are discussed (tooth preservation, treatment options, gums, dentures). You make the final decision on the treatment path yourself, with the dentist advising along the way. A trial treatment can help build confidence in your decision.
Dental anxiety is the fear of dental treatments, ranging from mild unease to severe panic.
No, a great many people suffer from dental anxiety – you are absolutely not alone with it.
The first appointment is just about a conversation – no treatment, entirely at your own pace.
Yes, you set the pace. We agree on a clear stop signal so you can pause at any time.
Yes, modern methods generally allow for treatment that's virtually pain-free.
Depending on your needs, we offer options such as conversations, gentle approaches, or medication support.
Open communication helps. Talk about your fears – we'll take the time for you.
Yes, with the right support and positive experiences, anxiety can be significantly reduced in the long term.
