Dental anxiety is a real challenge for most people, affecting the frequency of seeking dental advice or procedures. Dental anxiety can be attributed to different factors, such as previous experiences and misinformation. Despite the cause, dentists are supposed to do everything possible to ensure that patients remain calm. This article highlights different strategies that dentists apply to help keep patients relaxed.
Coloured Glasses
Indeed, dentists cannot do anything without using bright lights. The lights help illuminate the darkest parts of the mouth, allowing dentists to perform different procedures comfortably. Unfortunately, sitting under bright light is the last thing some patients want, since they have to stare straight into a lamp. Therefore, bright lights might exacerbate an already-stressful situation. One strategy that dentists use to prevent the effects of bright light are coloured glasses. Instead of letting patients stare directly at bright lights, dentists offer patients coloured glasses to block out the bright glare. Besides, fluids can splash on a patient's face and fall on their eyes during specific procedures. Therefore, wearing coloured glasses helps protect the eyes from falling equipment and fluids, assisting them in remaining calm.
Audio-Visual Devices
Have you ever walked into a dental clinic's waiting area, and all you hear is an ongoing procedure in the other room? It is improbable that a patient with dental anxiety will stay calm under such conditions. Thus, dentists must ensure that a waiting area is equipped with audio-visual gadgets or a soundproof material. It can range from television and radio systems to tablet and virtual-reality goggles. Televised programming and entertainment devices help keep a patient's mind preoccupied before seeing a dentist. The strategy works particularly well for children, but it is equally useful for adults struggling with dental anxiety. Additionally, audio-visual gadgets make waiting time appear shorter, which works well for anxious patients.
Calming Waterfall
When building a home near a highway, builders often advise clients to include a waterfall. The sounds produced by a waterfall mask the noise coming from the street, ensuring that you achieve a serene backyard. Dentists apply the same strategy in their dental clinics because of the calming effects of water. In addition to masking sounds produced by dental equipment in procedure rooms, the sound of water in the waiting area can be quite calming. Running water calms an anxious mind by reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Including a miniature waterfall or the sound of running water in a dental clinic can be beneficial for anxious patients.
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