Objective: Introduction: Experiencing emotions is complicated process often related to dental treatment. Based on research conducted in different countries, the occurrence of dental anxiety is estimated at around 20% and 5% of the general population of patients is characterized by high level of anxiety , including dental phobia. Research indicates that many dentists have problems with identification of the symptoms of dental phobia and implementing appropriate and effective treatment. The aim: The goal of the article is to analyze emotions associated with a dental visit and their symptomatology and patient management.
Results: Results: The occurrence of stress is determined by the current individual perception of the situation that evokes emotions and is not connected with the objective features of the situation. The dentist can assess the patient's emotional condition basing on the observation of physiological symptoms related to stimulation of the autonomic nervous system, behavior and reported psychosomatic symptoms. The source of valuable tips is also the analysis of the style of the coping with emotions.
Conclusion: Conclusions: The dentists ability to recognize the patient's style of coping with emotions makes dental treatment more effective and benefits in increase of patient satisfaction and comfort.
Keywords: communication with the patient; dental anxiety; dental phobia; dentistry; fear.