DENTAL ANXIETY: HOW AAKAAR DENTISTRY OFFERS SUPPORT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
And you are not alone, 51.8% of adults are moderately or extremely anxious about dental visits, while 3% have dental phobia. Dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally irrational, but are unable to do much about it. They exhibit classic avoidance behavior; that is, they will do everything possible to avoid going to the dentist. People with dental phobia usually go to the dentist only when forced to do so by extreme pain. There are many reasons why we tend to avoid dental visits, but all of them stem from a lack of knowledge and understanding towards modern dentistry.
These statistics are alarming since this is a global phenomenon. The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, they will be better able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable. If your dentist doesn't take your fear seriously, find another dentist.
At Aakaar Dentistry, we understand the immense impact dental anxiety can have on one's overall well-being. We believe in acknowledging and accepting this common concern, recognizing that you're halfway there by seeking the care you need. Whether it's the embarrassment of a neglected smile, the discomfort of dental issues, or the broader health risks associated with untreated dental problems, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate team is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. We prioritize personalized care tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that every visit is comfortable and confidence-inspiring, regardless of the level of anxiety you may be facing.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU ELEVATE DENTAL ANXIETY?
At our practice, we understand that dental anxiety can be a significant hurdle in seeking oral healthcare. From the moment you make that initial phone call, expressing your fear of the dentist, we become your dedicated partners in navigating this journey. Our commitment extends beyond just performing dental procedures; we prioritize guiding you through each step with patience and understanding. From the moment you reach out to us with your apprehensions about dental care, we stand ready to provide unwavering support. Our commitment begins with understanding your fears, guiding you through the entire journey, from diagnosis to treatment. We take the time to thoroughly assess your concerns, carefully diagnose any issues, and then proceed with gentle and expert handling tailored to your needs. Our aim is not just to alleviate your anxiety but to ensure that every step of the diagnosis and treatment process is managed with sensitivity and skill, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in your dental care journey.
OUR APPROACH TOWARDS DENTAL ANXIETY
Owing to such widespread significance, we at Aaakar Dentistry strive to alleviate stress and anxiety in a manner that these patients are positively motivated on a long-term basis to return for future dental visits.
- Welcoming Environment. We believe that the ambience of a dental clinic can play a significant role in triggering dental fear and anxiety. Therefore, our entire team collaborates to create a suitable atmosphere that is positive and caring. From using an unhurried tone to gather information, to ensuring a perfect ambience with light music and cooler lighting, as well as eliminating any waiting period at all, we make sure everything seems and makes our patients feel at ease.
- Open Communication. A successful patient-dentist relationship requires two-way communication. Thus, we begin by introducing ourselves, conversing with our patients, and carefully listening to them in a calm, composed, and non-judgmental way. Throughout the process, we keep checking whether the patients are uncomfortable, offer emotional support, and reassure them. Continuous vocal support and praise might help the patient become more comfortable with the procedure. This is especially true for younger patients, who may not necessarily understand the in-depth procedure.
- Nonverbal Communication. It is one of the most essential skills as even a touch can convey comfort and help in the effective management of patients. Thus, we constantly face the patient and maintain eye contact as a positive gesture. We prevent quick movements, empathise with patients, make them feel welcome, and use comprehensible words while discussing about the treatment. We often instil a friendly, sensitive, and sympathetic approach to the well-being of our patients.
- Knowledge through Education. At our clinic, we thoroughly discuss the treatment and why it is performed. For a better grasp, we show patients before and after digital simulations, helping them make an educated selection. Subsequently, we collect accurate information from them about their dental problems and concerns. Patients are always encouraged to ask questions regarding the treatment, keeping them updated throughout the process.
COPING STRATEGIES FOR DENTAL ANXIETY
There is no one-size-fits-all remedy for this condition, so don't refrain from discussing what's bothering you with your dentist and consider many choices to discover the best answer for your specific circumstances. Here are some of the treatment alternatives that are considered as per the case:
- Relaxation Techniques. A relaxation reaction is the polar opposite of a stress response, and when performed regularly, it not only reduces stress and anxiety but also allows an individual to manage anxious symptoms. This can be accomplished by deep breathing and muscular relaxation. Once a person is physically content, it is impossible to be psychologically discontented at the same time.
- Distraction Methods. Distraction can benefit people who have specific dental anxieties, like needles or the sound of drilling. Background music is frequently utilised to provide a calm tone during treatment. This reduces the feeling of displeasure and prevents negative or avoidance conduct. Children respond better to audio-taped diversions than video-taped distractions because they allow them to close their eyes and escape disliked input. Suitable music has been demonstrated to alter human brain waves, resulting in deep relaxation and relief from pain and anxiety.
- Positive Reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is an efficient approach for rewarding desired actions, thereby, increasing their recurrence. Positive voice modulation, facial expression, verbal praise, and appropriate physical displays of appreciation by all members of the dentistry team are examples of reinforcements. These should be tailored to each individual, delivered regularly, and altered over time.
- Guided Imagery. It is characterised as a guided, conscious daydream in which all the senses work to generate a sense of physical and emotional well-being. It is a mind-body activity in which patients are taught to visualise a pleasant, serene experience and intentionally direct their focus to achieve relaxation. Guided imagery normally consists of three stages: relaxation, visualisation, and positive suggestion. This strategy is excellent for nervous paediatric patients since children like hearing stories.
EXPERIENCE SAFE, COMFORTABLE, AND COMPASSIONATE DENTAL CARE AT AAKAAR DENTISTRY.
At Aakaar Dentistry, we prioritise making sure our patients are comfortable and calm during their appointments, recognizing the fear and anxiety associated with going to the dentist can create major hurdles to receiving necessary care. Given that a sizable majority of the population has experienced such sentiments at least once, we rigorously work towards treating, managing, and overcoming the underlying causes of these issues. We customise treatment plans based on a thorough evaluation, considering characteristics such as anxiety level and age. Additionally, we provide effective strategies for anxiety management, so don’t allow fear to prevent you from getting the dental treatment you deserve!
