Sleep Quality in Patients with Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common concern that affects far more than just the dental chair – research increasingly points to a connection between dental fear and broader sleep quality issues.

Patients with significant dental anxiety often report elevated general anxiety levels, which can interfere with sleep onset and quality, independent of any physical dental or airway issue.

Recognizing dental anxiety as a factor is especially important when treating patients for sleep-related conditions such as snoring or sleep apnea, since anxiety can affect a patient's willingness to pursue – and adhere to – dental appliance therapy.

A calm, gradual, and communicative treatment process, with clear explanations at every step, helps anxious patients feel more in control and improves both treatment adherence and outcomes.

Prof. Yaron Haviv places particular emphasis on patient comfort and clear communication throughout the diagnostic and fitting process, especially for anxious patients.