Cosmetic Dentists In Arizona Help Patients Overcome A Fear Of Dental Treatment, Part 2

By Author: Kevin Gasser
Total Articles: 60
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Welcome back to our four-part article series on dental phobia and its causes and treatments. In our previous post, we provided an introduction by explaining why it is that many patients experience some degree of anxiety or fear around the time of their annual appointment with the general or cosmetic dentist in Arizona. The most interesting point raised was that this trepidation is most commonly linked with issues of control and feeling powerless or being completely at the mercy of another human being. It was less often an issue of pain, as most might think.




In this article, the second installment of the series, we shall begin to discuss the various treatment options available to those who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Our approach is both from the perspective of the dentist and the patient, the latter of which we will address in Part 3 of this article series.




1.What do dental healthcare professionals offer patients in terms of anxiety management?




2.How can patients cope with and overcome their fear?


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What General and Cosmetic Dentists Offer Fearful Patients




“Nowadays, there is a much greater respect and empathy for patients who suffer from some kind of fear or anxiety associated with the dentist’s chair,” explains a Glendale dental implants specialist. “And our provision for this anxiety, in addition to providing excellent treatment, has become a priority. Gone are the days when patients were simply expected to endure psychological discomfort… we would never dream of saying “suck it up!” or “get over it!” Instead, we approach patients individually and ask ourselves what we can do to make them feel more comfortable.”




Many general and cosmetic dentists in Arizona have gone out of their way to create an office environment that is as unthreatening as possible. “Your choice in décor is important. A sterile white office with only a bare minimum of furniture is likely to freak patients out. Some paintings, flowers, color, soft music and entertainment can go a long way in keeping patients occupied, comfortable and relaxed,” explains a Glendale dental implants specialist. “Ditch the educational posters on gum disease and tooth decay. Rather keep that sort of thing discrete with a corner table of pamphlets. That way, patients can choose whether or not they wish to see what happens to your teeth when you don’t look after them!”




Another trick general and cosmetic dentists in Arizona can do for fearful patients is to first address them in the office, rather than in the chair. It helps a patient to sit down with their dentist and see them face-to-face as an equal and compassionate healthcare professional. By explaining to the patient what they can expect during their appointment and that they are free – at any time – to stop the dentist and request some breathing space, they will feel more in control. And control is immensely calming.




Simple Methods to Give the Patient Back Control




“Remember, a lack of control is almost always what contributes to feelings of fear and anxiety,” explains a Glendale dental implants dentist. “Here is what I generally recommend to my contemporaries as far as making patients feel comfortable and in control is concerned:




Sit down with your patient and explain what they can expect from their appointment and how long the various phases of treatment will last.
At various intervals, ask your patient for their permission to continue with treatment.
Give your patient the option to stop treatment whenever they want.
Establish a stop signal, such as a raised hand. Having the option to cease the procedure with a quick gesture often makes patients feel far more in control and therefore, at ease.”




Stay Tuned for Part 3




To read more about how dental phobia can be treated or overcome, and to hear some of the important tips cosmetic dentists have for Arizona patients, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.




About the Author:




Rozar Peter works with a renowned cosmetic dentist in Arizona. He likes to share the comprehensive benefits of Glendale dental implants and getting natural looking new teeth in a day.