DENTAL FEARS

Your comfort is at the heart of our practice

Dental FEARS & ANXIETIES

Some of the most common fears and anxieties include:

COMMON CALMING METHODS

We realize how often fears and anxieties occur among children and adult patients, and we use the following methods to ease these issues:

When treating a child, we try to talk slowly, and in terms they understand. Using large, unpronounceable words, or talking faster than a child can follow is more likely to cause anxiety.

It’s important that they understand what the doctor, hygienist, or assistant is saying, so they feel more comfortable before, during and after the procedure.

Displaying a compassionate attitude:

We understand that patients of all ages may be uneasy at the dentist, whether it’s their first visit, or 20th visit. Our team is always careful to keep the fears and concerns in mind during procedures, acknowledging that these feelings are normal, and ensuring the patient that everything will be okay.

Showing and telling patients what we are doing:

At Puredontics we have learned that patients and especially children, respond well to seeing what is being done, as well as hearing what we’re doing, and why we are doing it.

Using a mirror to watch:

In some cases, we will have the patient hold a mirror, so they can watch exactly what we’re doing. It gives some of the control back to the patient, and results in reduced fear and anxiety.

Using nitrous oxide:

When the methods above prove ineffective, or additional relief is required, we do offer nitrous oxide to calm our patients.

For our pediatric patients and their parents

Dental visits can be stressful for parents, especially for those who have dental phobias themselves.  It is imperative for parents to continually communicate positive messages about dental visits (especially the first one), and to help the child feel as happy as possible about visiting the dentist.

Pediatric dentists and the dental team aim to make the child feel as welcome as possible during all visits. There are several things parents can do to make the first visit enjoyable. Some helpful tips include:

Take another adult along for the visit:

Sometimes infants become overwhelmed when having their mouths examined.  Having another adult along to soothe the infant allows the parent to ask questions and to attend to any advice the dentist may have.

Leave other children at home:

Other children can distract the parent which may cause the patient to feel uncomfortable. Leaving other children at home (when possible) makes the visit less stressful for all concerned.

Avoid threatening language:

Pediatric dentists and the dental team are trained to avoid the use of threatening language.  It is imperative for parents to use positive language when speaking about dental treatment with their child.

Please support us by NOT USING negative language related to dental care. The following are positive substitutions for our equipment and procedures:

Decay or cavity — Sugar bug

Drill - Cleaner

Drill the tooth - Clean the tooth

Exam - Count teeth

Explorer - Toothpick

Needle or shot - Sleepy juice / water

Gas - Magic nose

Pull or yank - Wiggle out

Tooth cleaning - Tickle teeth