How You Can Improve Your Family's Dentist Experience

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A trip to the dentist has the tendency to cause fear in children and adults. In fact, approximately 15 percent have an extreme phobia of these types of physicians. This can cause difficulties when someone in the family has a dental issue. This is why it is important to find a dentist that you and your kids will be comfortable going to. There are many ways to increase the chances of a great dental experience for your family. Keep reading to learn a few of them.

Office That is Close by

The best way to improve the dentist experience is to make sure it doesn’t take too long to get to their office. Children might have a higher chance of being fussy or having a high amount of anxiety if they are stuck in a car too long right before their appointment. It gives them a lot of time to worry about the appointment.

Tell Them What's Going to Happen

Dental technicians should be as transparent as possible when talking to you and your family. This is especially important if you have small children. Ask your potential dentists office if they have a lot of experience working with kids. An experienced dentist will know how to lessen the anxiety in patients during the appointment. They can talk to your kids in a way that helps to reduce some fears. A dentist in Cary NC states that if you or your child is experiencing any anxiety, “it’s better to let your dentist know before the treatment.” Your dentist should let you know how the appointment went with your child and if there were any problems that they found. This keeps you informed on your child’s dental health.

A Relaxing Environment

Sterile and bright does not help someone with a fear of dentists to feel comfortable. It actually makes them more nervous as the area seems more like a hospital room. Before committing to a dentist, check out their office to see what their environment is like. Do they have a designated area for kids? Does it feel warm and welcoming? What type of music is playing in the background? All areas of these aspects in a dental office need to have a calming influence for your family. It starts with the walls and floors. They should be composed of muted and warm colors. These are known to soothe people who feel tension. Music should be soft and not too harsh.

The examination areas need to be the same way. They can be sterile but also comforting. Installation of TVs with some favorite movies works to distract both you and your children. On the subject of televisions, they shouldn't be tuned to news channels. They can trigger anxiety in patients that might continue when they enter the examination chair. They should be tuned to private channels or generic movies that can elevate positive emotions.

Shorten the Intake Time

Ask the dentists office about their intake process. How long do patients usually wait? How many people are currently waiting in the main lobby when you drop by? These are signs that will tell you approximately how long your family will be waiting for their appointment. Even if there is an office that is close by, it is important that they do not keep you waiting for too long. If they do take a while, then you should look into an office that might be further away with shorter waiting times. During your first appointment, keep in mind that there will be extra paperwork to fill out for each child so future appointments will not take as long. If you have little kids with a low amount of patience, do your best to have their appointments at the same time so there is less waiting for them. They will be far less likely to get fussy or upset.

Provide Free Wifi

Today, access to online games and other resources is the equivalent to a security blanket. It can give you and your children a feeling of serenity when they start to encounter anxiety. Without access to a wireless connection, patients can feel vulnerable. Ask your potential dentists office if they provide free Wifi and try to get the password beforehand. This will help you if you have children who are excessively nervous about their appointment. They can be distracted by their favorite show while they are waiting in the office which will contribute to a better mood.

It is important that you and your family feel as comfortable as possible during your dental appointments. Finding a dentist office that provides all of the above aspects will decrease your stress when taking your family to an appointment.