Dr Tariq Idrees BDS(Manc) MFDS RCS(Edin) from Carisbrook Dental, Manchester, talks about gaining the trust of anxious patients and providing the most comfortable treatment experience for all his patients.
Patients’ fear of visiting the dentist is a real and widespread problem and something I come across on a daily basis. Many patients I see have not seen a dentist for years, and by far the most common reason is due to bad experiences with dental injections, making them afraid of any routine dental treatment.
For patients worried about visiting a dentist, and injections in particular, it’s the perception of pain and discomfort that is causing their fear. According to the Oral Health Foundation, almost half of UK adults have a fear of the dentist, with around 12% of these suffering extreme dental anxiety.
There are several reasons why a dental injection can become an uncomfortable experience for patients:
- Some people are simply more sensitive to pain than others;
- Topical anaesthetic gel is rarely used and yet I feel it is essential; If the liquid is too cold, additionally warming local cartridges is effective;
- Administration of anaesthetic too quickly with too much pressure.
The good news, however, is that more dentists are learning to really understand their patients’ fears. This, combined with caring, gentle treatment and significant improvements in dental technology, are all helping to make a visit to the dentist a part of normal life.
Comfort for all
Taking the discomfort out of dentistry for our patients is something any dentist should strive for, especially when it comes to injections. At my practice, as well as our regular patients we receive referrals for dental implants, oral surgery, orthodontics and endodontics, so administering anaesthesia is a big part of my everyday working life.
I have been an advocate of taking the fear out of injections for over 15 years now since I introduced the first computer-driven motorised anaesthesia injection system into my practice. I strongly believe this is something that should be offered to all my patients, young and old, and not just those who are the most needle phobic.
If you want to learn more about the effective use of motorised injection systems for you and your patients’ welfare, read the second part of my blog ‘Relaxed patients make for a relaxed dentist’.
Visit calaject.co.uk or contact Evident on Freephone 0808 1000 888.
