To many people, the term “comfortable dentistry” might sound like an oxymoron. These people’s minds are filled with the sounds of dentist drills and memories of wincing as Novocain is administered, cavities are filled, and root canals are performed. Thanks to modern dentistry, however, a trip to the dentist can truly be a comfortable and even relaxing experience.
What Is Comfortable Dentistry?
Much of comfortable dentistry involves making procedures less painful and unpleasant than they have been in the past. To that end, many dentists now regularly use sedation dentistry to help keep patients at ease. In sedation dentistry, patients are offered some combination of oral medication, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) medication.
In particular, some dentists offer their patients a single pill that, when taken an hour before a scheduled appointment, creates intense feelings of calm and relaxation. While sedated, patients can respond to commands and are free from risks associated with full or deep sedation. In many cases, patients leave their appointments feeling refreshed but with little to no memory of the dental appointment.
That being said, comfortable dentistry is about more than alleviating physical pain. Today, many dentists aim to transform the traditional sterile, all-white office environment into something resembling a spa. To that end, a dentist might offer special glasses to block out intense light, aromatherapy, entertainment such as movies, music options, neck pillows, and more.
Questions to Ask About Comfortable Dentistry
When researching your options for comfortable dentistry, consider asking potential dentists one or all of the following questions:
· What do you offer patients in terms of pain relief? Do you offer sedation dentistry? How is sedation achieved?
· What are your general recommendations for highly anxious patients and/or patients who need extensive dental work?
· What is your staff’s approach in working with patients?
· What is your office environment like? Do you offer non-medication-related relaxation techniques or devices? If so, what?
· What additional strategies do you and/or your staff use to make sure patients are at ease during their appointments?
The most important thing to remember is that patients have more options than ever before to ensure that their visits to the dentists are as comfortable as possible. From pain management to anxiety-reducing medication to calming environments, there is no reason why your next appointment shouldn’t be something to look forward to rather than dread.