Editorial | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2690-1919/620
Yerevan state Medical University Melika Izadi Laybidi dental student.
*Corresponding Author: Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan state Medical University Melika Izadi Laybidi dental student.
Citation: Nwoha R. I. O and Onyegbula O, (2026), Whe n Fear Meets the Drill: How the Brain Responds to Dental Anxiety, J Clinical Research and Reports, 23(4); DOI:10.31579/2690-1919/620
Copyright: © 2026, Nwoha R. I. O. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 23 March 2026 | Accepted: 06 April 2026 | Published: 10 April 2026
Keywords: .
.
Dental anxiety is a common condition that can lead to avoidance of dental care and negatively impact oral health and quality of life. This article explores the neural mechanisms underlying dental anxiety, focusing on brain regions involved in fear processing and emotional regulation. Evidence suggests that heightened activity in the amygdala, along with altered functioning of the prefrontal cortex and insula, contributes to increased fear, pain anticipation, and stress responses during dental procedures. Understanding these brain responses may help inform more effective, targeted interventions for managing dental anxiety.
Fear vs. Anxiety in Dentistry
Fear is an immediate, short-term response to a known or clearly identifiable threat—like the moment a dental drill starts. It’s focused on the present and triggers a “fight-or-flight” reaction.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is more anticipatory. It’s a diffuse, future-oriented feeling of worry or unease, such as thinking about an upcoming dental appointment. It may persist even without any immediate threat.
In dental settings, anxiety is common: roughly one in seven people experience high levels of dental anxiety. Recognizing whether a patient’s reaction is fear or anxiety is important because it influences management strategies. Fear may be addressed in the moment with reassurance or distraction, while anxiety often benefits from structured approaches like communication, rapport-building, relaxation techniques, or behavioral methods such as systematic desensitization.
How brain respond to it ?
The brain reacts to dental-related sights and sounds by activating regions linked to fear and anxiety, even in people without dental phobia. Studies consistently show activity in areas like the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which process discomfort and emotional responses. Interestingly, this reaction resembles general anxiety rather than intense fear, as the amygdala—typically central to strong fear responses—is not significantly involved.
Dental anxiety is a common and important barrier to oral care, affecting roughly one in seven individuals. It involves anticipatory worry that engages brain regions linked to emotional processing, such as the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, even in non-phobic patients. Effective management requires recognizing whether a patient is experiencing fear or anxiety and tailoring interventions accordingly. Non-pharmacological strategies—including good communication, rapport-building, relaxation techniques, and gradual desensitization—have a solid evidence base and can be applied by clinicians to reduce distress and improve treatment outcomes. With understanding, empathy, and a phased approach, dental practitioners can successfully support anxious patients to receive necessary care.
Dear Editorial Team, Clinical Medical Reviews and Reports. My experience with the journal was highly positive. The peer-review process was rigorous, constructive, and completed in a timely manner. The reviewers provided valuable comments that helped improve the quality and clarity of our manuscript. The editorial office was professional, responsive, and supportive throughout all stages of the publication process. Communication was clear and efficient, and any questions were addressed promptly. Overall, I found the journal to maintain high scientific standards and an excellent publication workflow. I would be pleased to consider submitting future work to this journal. Best wishes from, Elena Popa.
It was my pleasure to submit my testimonial concerning the Reviewer Board of our Scientific Journal “Brain and Neurological Disorders”. The Reviewers focused on some modifications and their contribution was helpful. The ladies of our Editorial Office were also supported my efforts. It was my honor to have such a co-operation and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
Dear Grace Pierce, Editorial Coordinator of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports, Thank you for the speedy and efficient peer review process. I appreciate the fact that your peer reviewers do not take months to respond like with some other journals. I would also like to thank the editorial office for responding quickly to my questions. It is an excellent journal. I plan to submit more manuscripts in the future. Best wishes from, Robert W. McGee
Dear Grace Pierce, Editorial Coordinator of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports, Working with you and your team on our recent publication in JCRR has been a truly wonderful and enjoyable experience. The responses were prompt, and the reviewers were patient, constructive, and highly professional. One reviewer in particular gave me the feeling that a professor was carefully reading and commenting on my coursework, which was deeply touching. The entire process was straightforward and hassle‑free, with no tedious online forms to complete. I highly recommend this journal. Best wishes from, DR Aibing Rao, Head of R&D
I Appreciate the Opportunity to Share my Experience with the Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. The peer review process was timely and constructive, and the feedback provided helped improve the quality of our manuscript. The editorial office was professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the process, ensuring smooth communication and efficient handling of the submission. Overall, it was a positive experience collaborating with your team.
Dear Mercy Grace, Editorial Coordinator of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, We would like to express our gratitude for your help at all stages of publishing and editing the article. The editors of the magazine answer all the necessary questions and help at every stage. We will definitely continue to cooperate and publish other works in the Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences! Best wishes from, Alla Konstantinovna Politova,
