Today we’re going to talk about the three most common dental fears that I see in the dental office. I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, and I’m a dentist here at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists.
Let’s talk about them.
Fear of Shots
The first fear, and it really is a super common fear, is shots. Whether it be in your dental office or at your doctor’s office, shots, injections, or needles. It’s scary, and we get it.
Minimizing Fear of Shots
So here at Dental Implant Aesthetic Specialist, we want to make sure that we minimize that fear and make you feel comfortable in whatever way we can. The first thing that we always do for our patients is we give them a little bit of topical anesthetic. This is a little jelly that we put on the gum tissue wherever you’re going to get that small shot in order to get you numb so we can do your procedure. Usually, this helps minimize patients’ fear.
Additional Comfort Measures
Other things that we can do include giving you little pills that can relax you. If you’re really scared of shots and you don’t want to come to the dentist because you’re just scared of getting that little injection to get you numb, don’t worry. We are here to help you.
Fear of Leaning Back in the Chair
Second, a lot of patients are scared to go back in the chair. It can be really fearful to just be leaned back. Also, some patients have back problems, neck problems, and similar issues, and they avoid going to the dentist because they’re scared that the way they will be laid back in the chair will hurt them.
Ensuring Comfort in the Chair
Here at our office, we strive to make sure that our patients are comfortable, whether it’s adjusting to whatever chair position is comfortable for you or letting you know what position we’re going to put you in and when we’re going to lean you back. We want to make sure that you know exactly what’s going on.
Comfort Accessories
We have pillows, blankets, and everything for our patients to ensure that they’re nice and comfortable in the chair while we do treatments. If that’s not enough for you, we have a whole comfort menu. Just ask for it.
Fear of Holding Mouth Open for Extended Periods
The third most common fear that we see is more about the fear of being sore afterward or causing yourself some TMJ problems, pain in the jaw, or pain in the muscles of the face. Patients don’t want to hold their mouths open for an extended period.
Managing Jaw Discomfort
Here, we make sure that we communicate with our patients, and we establish signals with them. If they need a break, we give them that break. Also, we have things to help you be comfortable in the chair. We’ve got little tooth pillows that prop your teeth open. You can bite down on them and rest to ensure that your jaw and muscles are not getting tired.
Commitment to Patient Comfort
We want to make sure that the dental procedure is comfortable for you and that afterward, you’re comfortable as well. Whatever your fear might be, we’re happy to address it here at Dental Implant Aesthetic Specialist. We want to do our best to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your procedures and that you don’t avoid dental treatments due to fear.
Therefore, come see us. We’re happy to help. I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, and I’m here to help you watch your mouth.