Overcoming dental anxiety with a trained therapy dog.

Dental anxiety is a completely natural fear and for some patients, a very hard one to overcome. For patients with this anxiety, however, those who require dental treatments or a check-up and clean find themselves putting off the dental treatment as they don’t want to confront the fear.

What is a Therapy Dog?

A Therapy Dog is a dog that has been trained with its owner to provide therapeutic intervention to patients in the community. Research has found that dogs cortisol levels can sync with their owners, meaning they can sense when someone is stressed, feeling down, depressed or even lonely, and naturally want to provide their companion with their unconditional love and support.

The My Dental Care Difference

At My Dental Care at West End, we want all of our patients to feel welcome into our practice and calm and comfortable when going into any treatment. By bringing our Cavoodle Molar into our practice, our team (and Molar, of course) aim to ensure all patients feel this way.

Book A Dental Treatment with Molar

If you’re considering dental treatment but have hesitated due to anxiety or fear of the dentist, contact our team to see how Molar can help! You can learn more about Therapy Dogs here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dental anxiety, and how common is it?

Dental anxiety refers to the fear or stress associated with visiting the dentist. It can range from mild uneasiness to severe phobia, often leading individuals to avoid dental care altogether. This anxiety is surprisingly common, affecting approximately 36% of the population to varying degrees, with around 12% experiencing extreme fear.

At My Dental Care @ West End, we understand how real and challenging dental anxiety can be, which is why we take extra steps to create a calming environment for our patients. One unique way we address dental anxiety is through the presence of Molar, our friendly Therapy Dog. Molar is always ready to offer comfort and companionship during your visit, making the experience more pleasant and helping to ease any nervousness you may feel.

In addition to Molar’s soothing presence, we provide other tools to make your visit as stress-free as possible. We offer headphones for patients to listen to music or podcasts during procedures, or you’re welcome to bring your own. To further enhance your comfort, we also have a weighted blanket, The Wand, and Happy Gas, all designed to help alleviate dental anxiety and ensure a relaxed and positive experience.

Our commitment to your comfort, combined with these thoughtful amenities, ensures that your dental care experience is as stress-free as possible.

Yes, happy gas (nitrous oxide sedation) is a safe and effective option for managing dental anxiety at My Dental Care @ West End. Our team is highly trained in administering happy gas, ensuring you feel relaxed and at ease throughout your visit. This form of sedation is mild yet effective, helping to calm your nerves while allowing you to remain fully conscious and responsive during the procedure.

 

To further enhance your comfort, we also have Molar, our Therapy Dog, who provides additional emotional support. Molar has been specially trained to assist anxious patients, creating a soothing and calming environment. Combined with the use of happy gas, Molar’s comforting presence ensures a peaceful and stress-free dental experience.

Managing dental anxiety effectively requires a combination of preparation before your visit and support during your appointment. At My Dental Care @ West End, we understand that dental anxiety is a real concern for many, and we are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible.

Before Your Visit:

  • Prepare Mentally: Take time to relax and focus on positive outcomes. Practice deep-breathing exercises or meditation to calm your mind.
  • Communicate Your Fears: Before your appointment, communicate your anxieties with us. This allows our team to tailor the appointment to your needs, ensuring extra care and patience throughout the procedure.

During Your Visit:

  • Sedation Options: We offer various forms of dental sedation that can be tailored to your comfort level. These options help you stay relaxed and can make the experience more bearable.
  • Distractions: Bring headphones to listen to music or podcasts during your procedure. This can help divert your attention and reduce stress.
  • Molar, the Therapy Dog: Our in-house therapy dog, Molar, can be present during your appointment to offer comfort and emotional support. Interacting with a therapy dog has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve overall patient comfort.

Remember, our team at My Dental Care @ West End is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a comfortable environment for your dental care.