Opinions about hypnosis in dentistry are varied: More accurately known as “Hypnodontia,” this approach has been met by dental professionals with everything from skepticism, to indifference, to total confidence in its clinical benefits.

Often we associate hypnosis with clichés: the proverbial swinging watch or the entranced person quacking like a duck.

In truth, there seems to be something about Hypnodontia that rivals the effectiveness of more conventional treatments for reducing pain and anxiety. At least according to some:

The Daily Mail reported about one man – Leslie Mason – a DIY store worker from Colchester, Essex, who underwent hypnosis prior to the extraction of two rotten teeth and four roots without any anesthetic. Mason reported only a “little sting.”

“The dentist had to dig away at the rotten roots that were right up into my jaw,” he explained. “It was incredible. There is no worse pain than that inflicted by dentists but I didn’t feel any.”

Mason’s hypnotist, John Ridlington, explains, “We all have the ability to control pain with our brains. Our brains control everything about our bodies and our subconscious is the most powerful part - it controls our breathing and the blood pumping through our veins. Hypnosis taps into the subconscious mind. It's all about mind over matter.”

Mason adds, “Not everyone is as susceptible as me to hypnosis.”

Which bring up the question: What is the actual success rate of Hypnodontia on larger groups? Dr. Thomas P. Connelly – a dentist himself – discussed the topic in The Huffington Post:“To give an example, the American Psychological Association (APA) -- 154,000 members strong, and is the largest professional organization of its type -- gives hypnosis credit. They admit it has been controversial, but ‘most clinicians now agree it can be a powerful, effective therapeutic technique for a wide range of conditions, including pain, anxiety and mood disorders.’”

Examining the other side of the hypnosis coin, Dr. Connelly says there is “little to no regulation regarding hypnosis. In just about every state, anyone can say they are a hypnotist (the laws are ever-changing, but suffice to say, I could not find any hard regulation that is consistent on a state-by-state basis…so the above makes me a little skeptical about the entire thing,” Connelly continues. “Unless you are accredited, you can't say you're a dentist ANYWHERE in the US. No state will let you hang a DDS shingle unless you have the proper credentials. Same with a physician, a lawyer, etc. But hypnotist? Not so much.”

Considering this information, would it be more accurate to say that Hypnodontia may not be inherently effective or ineffective, but rather, capable of varying levels of effectiveness based on the individual patient and other variables?

Weigh in: have you ever used Hypnodontia yourself? Would you? How effective or ineffective would you expect it to be?

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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