Picture this: it’s time for an annual cleaning for your third grader. All morning you talk with her about the dentist, reminding her it isn’t painful, the office staff and the dentist are friendly, and promising a trip to the park after. Despite your reassurances, she can’t shake the nervousness and begins to cry in the waiting room. When her name is called, the staff holds her hand and the dentist smiles, showing her each tool. At the end of the appointment, she’s all smiles.
Perhaps it isn’t your third grader who feels nervous butterflies in her tummy over the dentist. According to the Cleveland Clinic nearly 40% of all Americans regardless of age experience dental anxiety.
At Eriks Dental Group, our focus is family dentistry and we are committed to reducing anxiety and fear for the whole family. Through a friendly and comprehensive approach that cares and understands the uneasiness that can be associated with the dentist.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is the stress and sometimes fear of visiting the dentist. Often this type of anxiety can stem from a previous bad experience, a phobia of needles, or simply not knowing what to expect. Some people experience dental anxiety from sensory overload, including from the sounds that are sometimes heard in a family dentistry office. It can include an increased heart rate, sweaty palms, general nervousness, and in severe cases, even nausea.
It’s important to address signs of dental anxiety as early as possible, like with our example above. A family dentistry practice can be the best solution for children and adults alike because they help to ease stress and fear.
The Role of Family Dentistry in Managing Dental Anxiety
Family dentistry is unique from other dentistry practices because it is designed to provide the highest quality, comprehensive care for all ages. So, instead of scheduling with a pediatric dentist, your child can be treated at the same office you are. Since the American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dentist appointment before age one, it’s easy to see the convenience of having the same team. With a focus on early interventional and routine care, a great experience at a family dentist can set up great dental care habits for life and ease the anxiety in the process.
How Family Dentistry Helps Manage Dental Anxiety
At Eriks Dental Group, we offer:
- Comprehensive care
- Friendly and familiar environment
- Preventative care
Well-rounded dental care includes annual cleanings, cavity treatment, and cosmetic procedures when necessary. Regularly scheduled appointments (at least twice per year) help to establish good dental health at an early age, and the friendly, familiar environment promotes a reputation you can trust for years to come.
Techniques Used in Family Dentistry to Reduce Anxiety
Because anxiety can be so overwhelming, we find it best to be as transparent as possible. Family dentistry practices make every effort to provide a comfortable and easy environment, from the office design and decor to the friendliness of the staff.
1.Communication and Education
Patient-centered care is the core of family dentistry practices. Providing all the details upfront and offering detailed education so there aren’t any surprises to worry about. For younger patients, child-friendly language is always used to ease any fear or uncertainty they may have.
Communication and education also includes breaking the stigma surrounding dental anxiety through reassurance. Many people experience this anxiety and fear through no fault of their own and it is important to break down this stigma so it doesn’t create more unnecessary anxiety.
2. Gradual Exposure and Desensitization
Part of transparent communication is working with patients to find solutions that are best for their individual situation and anxiety. Family dentistry can work with nervous patients, helping them to familiarize with the environment and the procedure ahead of time. For children, positive reinforcement throughout helps to establish and build trust and reduce stress. A tailored, flexible approach is best.
3. Comfort Measures
Patient comfort, especially with extreme fear and anxiety is increasingly important for establishing a good relationship with dental health and hygiene. In some cases, TVs are on during treatment, and blankets and headphones may help increase comfort as well. Additionally, patients can always signal during a procedure if they need a break.
Benefits of Family Dentistry for Long Term Oral Health
Along with reducing dental anxiety, family dentistry practices offer many benefits that are (of course) great for the whole family.
- Consistent Care
- Positive Experiences
- Long Term Relationships
Consistent and reliable continuity of care means you’ll know your dentist and they’ll know you. All your medical history, prior dental procedures, and your preference for mint-flavored dental floss not only offers quality care, but reliable care, too. Changes to your dental health are tracked over time and early intervention can help prevent a major issue later. It’s warm and familiar, while promoting life long habits that will improve overall oral health.
A positive experience for one family member can often encourage other family members to take care of their dental health, too. As a parent, you can set a great example for your child, letting them know there is no reason to fear the dentist. Plus, the convenience of a family dentistry office is everyone’s appointments can be scheduled conveniently, often within the same day so there’s no need to try to juggle multiple offices or appointment times.
Over time, feeling supported builds a lifelong relationship with good, quality, and friendly care. So every stage of life from childhood to adulthood can be anxiety free. But this isn’t the only long term relationship to be gained from family dentistry; you’ll also build better oral health habits overall.
Family Dentistry in South Florida
Eriks Dental Group proudly serves South Florida, with two office locations in Boynton Beach and Fort Lauderdale, we can’t wait to provide high-quality care for the whole family. Our offices offer:
- Teeth Whitening
- Invisalign
- Teeth Cleanings
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Fillings
- Root Canals
Unlike other dental practices that refer services to other providers, the team at Eriks Dental Group features an endodontist and periodontist on staff so whatever you’re facing, we can help.
As the official sponsor of smiles, we’re looking forward to seeing you. Schedule an appointment online or call 561-733-4004 today.