Consider your child’s fear of the dentist before their next appointment
Dr. Shah is convinced that reducing the use of needles has greatly improved the practice by reducing the fear for young patients and the need for numbing with a Solea Laser.
Dr. Shah passionately highlights the transformative impact of laser technology in her pediatric practice. In the United States, dental anxiety affects over one-third of the population, with a staggering 12% reporting extreme fear. Sadly, only a mere 10% find visiting the dentist relaxing, with the dreaded sound of a drill evoking anxiety in many. We have found that our parents crave a more pleasant dental experience for their children, one that begins the moment they step through the door. From a warm greeting to a fun waiting room with games, every detail counts in alleviating anxiety and enhancing their child’s confidence that there is nothing to fear.
As specialists in pediatric dentistry, our practice is dedicated to delivering positive experiences for young patients and their parents. We’ve honed several strategies to revolutionize the dental journey for children, earning us enthusiastic support and driving practice growth.
Minimize Needle Reliance:
Fear of needles looms large in dental anxiety. Through the innovative Solea® All-Tissue Laser by Convergent Dental, we’ve significantly reduced our reliance on anesthesia. This cutting-edge technology enables us to perform fillings, stainless steel crowns, and even minor extractions without the need for injectable anesthetic. Remarkably, in our two years of utilizing this laser, I can count the instances of requests for tooth anesthesia on one hand.
Eliminate High-Speed Handpiece Anxiety:
The dread of dental drills affects over 20% of patients, exacerbating anxiety. By embracing laser technology, we’ve mitigated the discomfort associated with traditional drills. The Solea laser minimizes the high pitch and vibrations, providing a quieter and more controlled experience for patients. Witnessing the transformative power of laser technology, patients, especially children, find excitement in their dental visits, free from the distress of conventional handpiece dentistry.
Enhanced Efficiency and Recovery:
Beyond allaying fears, enhancing the dental experience entails swift recovery. The Solea laser negates the need for numbing in most procedures, enabling us to work with unprecedented speed and precision. Fillings that once consumed a significant amount of our patients and their parents’ time are now completed within minutes. With the ability to address multiple areas of the mouth in a single visit, patients and families appreciate the expedited return to their daily routines, often describing their laser experience as enjoyable.
Empower Through Education:
Our patients value proactive engagement and positive reinforcement regarding their choices for oral health. By sharing comprehensive information about their child’s dental health, we empower patients to take control of their oral hygiene. Educating young patients and parents about procedures instills confidence and tranquility, fostering a relaxed atmosphere during visits. Moreover, highlighting our adoption of advanced laser technology further enhances their satisfaction and may even inspire future generations to pursue dentistry.
Embracing laser technology isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about elevating our patient experience. From better outcomes to happier, healthier patients, it ultimately enables us to practice dentistry with a better flow and a stress-free environment for all.
References
- Cleveland Clinic website. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists. Updated March 22, 2022. Accessed July 12, 2023.
- Needle Fears and Phobia – Find Ways to Manage. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/needle-fears-and-phobia.html#:~:text=Estimates%20show%20that%20as%20many,have%20strong%20fears%20around%20needles. Updated March 8, 2023. Accessed July 12, 2023.
- Calladine H, Currie CC, Penlington C. A survey of patients’ concerns about visiting the dentist and how dentists can help. J Oral Rehabil. 2022 Apr;49(4):414-421
