Dental Anxiety is not a New Topic
It seems that every year, more and more decisions in top quality dental practices are made based on avoiding dental anxiety. Nearly every aspect of today’s patient experience in these practices has been shaped by dental teams trying to minimize the stress of the dental visit.
And, that’s a good thing. The rise of the modern dental practice has seen the creation of patient-friendly, welcoming spaces that reject the stereotype of the cold, scary dental office.
But still, nobody wants to come to the dentist. I’ve personally had hundreds of women tell me they’d rather have a baby than come to the dentist. Everybody talks and reads about it and it’s a special topic for comedians. Please reference Bill Cosby’s dental visit skit or the Tim Conway / Harvey Korman dental skit.
Like other top quality dental practices, we’ve taken many steps to make our practice as comfortable as possible. Such as creating as pleasant of an environment as possible with kind team members, our dental therapy dog (Vern), air abrasion dentistry (to replace the drill for small fillings), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sedation dentistry, our Cerec Digital Impression technology for crowns (reduces the need for gooey impression material that frequently cause gagging), high quality dental care (enhanced by extensive continuing education), etc. And while our patient experience has changed with the attention to dental anxiety, we felt we could do even better.
The source of much of the dental anxiety is the same it’s always been: the drill and the needle, plus the lingering numbness. I’ve found people don’t like the drill, but it’s really the needle that they’re afraid of. We’ve have many patients tell us we need to invent something to get rid of the needle.
For many of our patients, that fear was initiated by a bad childhood experience at the dentist. Some dental practices from years ago didn’t offer numbing for fillings, which often created a traumatic, painful dental experience.
So, part of our goal is to reduce the level of anxiety our young patients feel, to get them off to the right start. Then they won’t develop the fear of dentistry and won’t avoid care later in life.
Avoiding the Drill and the Needle
Across the board, dental technology has transformed time and again since the mid-20th century. Earlier this year, we encountered something entirely new in our effort to reduce patient anxiety: the Solea Laser.
Solea is a CO2 laser that is fast, precise, virtually noiseless, and anesthesia free for most procedures.
Better yet, it eliminates the drill and the needle for many procedures. Solea gives the opportunity to do
more work during the same visit. This frequently results in the need for fewer patient visits to complete
recommended treatment, making it much more convenient for our patients.
Solea’s unique wavelength enables precision when working on both teeth and gums. It can even be
used on bone. Since it is variable speed, it can work quickly or we can slow it down to reduce
sensations. So, this makes it a great way to help reduce dental anxiety.
Providing our patients a great dental experience is old news at this point. But Solea does it in a new
way. I never thought I would be in dentistry long enough to see something like this.
Please read some of our patient reviews, regarding our Solea Laser:
5★on BirdEye, Sep 25, 2017
Nancy P.
The whole procedure was comfortable. It was very nice to not have the discomfort of the numbing injections, the numbness afterwards, and soreness at the injection sight.
Also, I did not miss the noise and vibration of the drill
and the dust from drilling. I only felt a few twinges, no pain! As always, Dr. Himler and Penny made certain that I was not in any discomfort.
5★on Facebook, Aug 31, 2017
Nicole Stotz
I've dreaded taking myself to the dentist so much that I've waited 10 or so years since I've gone. I took my two girls and myself to Dr. Himler and it was such a painless task. No mom sweats... you mom's out there know what I mean! My youngest ended up having a cavity and the Doctor filled it right there. No need for a follow up appointment which was a huge bonus. I was worried when they said they were going to fill it, thinking about the needle and drill. I was pleasantly surprised when he said they were going to use a laser. My four year old smiled through the entire process. I am so impressed with their ability to make children feel safe and happy. My girls walked out asking when they get to go back.... and me too!
5★on Facebook, Jul 21, 2017
Meghan Perdue
Dr Himler used the laser for my daughters cavities. I was amazed! No Novocain or gas. She did great.
5★on BirdEye, Jul 20, 2017
Jennifer
I just had a cavity filled with the new laser technology and it was painless.
5★on Google, Jun 20, 2017
Natalie Bowsher
I got to experience the new laser when having a filling done and I have to say, I would choose the laser EVERY TIME - I had minimal sensitivity and pain, not to mention it was quick, and the best part? No numbing!! If you have to have a filling, it's the way to go!
5★on BirdEye, Jun 20, 2017
Chris p.
The new lazor machine makes all the difference. The doctor is very good at what he does, that's why I've been with him over 30 years.I hooked up with him when he got out of college.Great Dentis
5★on Facebook, May 08, 2017
Anna Foulk
I can't say enough great things about Dr. Himler & his entire staff. They all truly care about you and your health. I went in today with a very painful chipped tooth. In no time my tooth was fixed and I was on my way.... Dr. Himler used the new Solea Laser on my tooth. AMAZING!! Absolutely no numbing shots needed. I was very comfortable throughout the entire procedure. There is no need to fear going to the dentist when they are up on all the latest technology. If you are in search of a dentist for yourself and/or your family.... give them a call. You will be so happy with their service!