The use of hypnosis in dental care - a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Hypnosis is a technique that involves inducing a special state of consciousness in which the conscious mind relaxes while the unconscious mind manifests itself by working the imagination. Objective: To perform a literature review to evaluate the different techniques used to induce hypnosis and the need for its use in dental care, as well as, its results. Sources of data: A bibliographic search was performed in the Google Academic and PubMed databases to identify studies for review. There was no restriction on language or year. Inclusion criteria were studies that addressed the topic of interest. Synthesis of data: Hypnosis aims to improve care by controlling patients’ anxiety, fear and phobias. However, its use is little known by patients and professionals in the context of dental treatment. There are two techniques of hypnosis, namely essential hypnosis and hypnosis by object fixation. The main indications are the need to control the patient’s fear and anxiety during dental treatment and to prepare the patients before performing surgical procedures. It can be used in association with local anesthetics, but this combination is not essential. Conclusion: Hypnosis can be effective at controlling patients’ feelings related to dental care, being the hypnosis by object fixation the most used technique with this purpose. It is considered easy, quick, painless, with low costs and accessible to any dentist who has completed specific training in this field.