If you’re a dentist, you’ll want to do everything possible to keep your patients feeling safe and comfortable. Taking the additional measures to keep your patients comfortable throughout their time in the chair can help you establish better rapport with each person who sees you and can also help your dental practice become more successful. Here are four methods for keeping your patients comfortable during routine treatment.
Keep Them Informed
No one likes to guess what might happen next when undergoing dental treatment, and you can dispel any mystery by letting your patients know what to expect. It’s a good idea to communicate with your patients throughout their time in the chair. If you expect anything to feel slightly painful or uncomfortable for them during treatment, it’s best to be honest with your patients so that they’re not dealt any unwanted surprises.
Provide Entertainment
Distracting patients’ minds with entertainment can also be an effective way to keep them calm and comfortable. You can have headphones available that your patients can wear if they choose to listen to music throughout their appointments. Another idea is to have headsets available that allow patients to watch television programming while undergoing treatment.
Offer Sedatives
For patients who are especially fearful, you can try offering sedative medications to calm their nerves. Oral sedation can be given in pill form to help patients relax while receiving root canals, dental crowns or other procedures that might involve cutting or drilling. Valium and Midazolam are among the most commonly prescribed oral sedatives for dental patients. Nitrous oxide, which is commonly known as “laughing gas,” can be administered as an inhalant. Another option is to use intravenous sedation to calm certain patients.
Allow a Friend or Relative to Sit in the Room
Some people feel more assured when a trusted friend or relative is with them while receiving dental care. You can allow this person to hold your patient’s hand and offer words of encouragement throughout the treatment. You might also be asked to stop at certain points during the treatment to allow the patient to take a break and consult with their friend or family member for a few minutes.
Giving your patients the best care can start with you doing everything possible to ensure maximum comfort. Comfortable patients are happier patients, and you can do a service for your practice and the people who come to you for care by putting in the extra effort.
