Are you the kind of dental patient who feels ambivalent when they are reminded that they need to attend a dental checkup? Or does the entire idea of needing to see a dentist fill you with dread? Whether you are 16 years old or 60, if you fall into the latter group, please know that you are not alone.
Dental anxiety is a common problem for many patients. The fear of dental procedures can cause people to delay or avoid dental treatment altogether, which can lead to more serious oral health problems. However, dental teams can help nervous patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their appointments.
When you visit our team at Kings Dental Subiaco, we will do our utmost to ensure that you are comfortable with any procedures and that your needs as a nervous dental patient are met. We will provide you with compassionate care and allow you to take the lead on any treatments that you want or need.
But how exactly do we do this? Here are five ways our dental team at Kings Dental Subiaco handles nervous patients.
Communication
Good communication is essential to make patients feel at ease, and at Kings Dental Subiaco, we stick to this belief with our nervous patients. Dental teams can start by explaining the procedure in detail and answering any questions the patient may have; this helps the patient understand what to expect and can reduce the fear of the unknown. Communication can also help establish a rapport between the patient and our dental team, which can further reduce anxiety.
Distraction techniques
Distraction techniques are a great way to help nervous patients relax during dental procedures. Dental teams can use various forms of distraction, such as playing music, using virtual reality headsets, or showing videos. These techniques can help take the patient's mind off the procedure and make the experience more enjoyable.
Sedation
For patients with severe dental anxiety, sedation may be an option. There are different types of sedation, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. Dental teams can work with patients to determine the best type of sedation for their needs. Sedation can help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
Patient-centred care
Patient-centred care involves tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. This approach takes into consideration the patient's fears and concerns and aims to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Our team can and do work with nervous patients to develop a treatment plan that takes their anxiety into account. This can include scheduling shorter appointments, using local anaesthesia, and allowing the patient to take breaks during the procedure.
Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to help patients overcome dental anxiety. Our team is happy to provide positive feedback and encouragement during any procedure; this can help build your confidence and make you feel more comfortable. We can also praise you for your bravery after the procedure, which can help reduce anxiety for future visits because facing down any kind of anxiety is nothing short of brave.
Disclaimer
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
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