Dental anxiety is a common issue, and this condition can cause patients to avoid the oral health treatment that they need. One of the more ingenious ways of dealing with this issue has been the adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology. Through the creation of a calming immersive atmosphere during their care, this method is showing promising results for both immediate ease and eventual desensitization of their anxiety.
Here at Dental Junkie, we know that the world of dentistry is changing, and we see the value in new technological advances. Beyond better drills and more precise imaging, how we connect with our patients has progressed over the last few years. With the development of technology, caring for your patients has never been easier, and we are glad to see advances such as VR headsets become a part of our field. This approach has seen significant advantages, from easing patient anxiety to lowering pain perception during treatment!
Many Patients Struggle With Dental Anxiety
This seems like a no-brainer, right? Since time began, people have struggled with fear and anxiety when seeing their dentist. New technological tools are available to help ease patients while they are in your chair, however, and one of these in particular has our ears perked. Virtual reality has been used as a tool for teaching and training for some time, but its possibilities as a soothing aid for patients has serious value.
The opportunities involved in patient-centered VR technology are fascinating to think about. Imagine spending your time as a patient playing video games. Or what about a teeth cleaning during work hours, checking emails during routine maintenance?
Virtual Reality Is Proving To Be Successful
VR headsets are just about everywhere these days. They are accessible for home video games, so why shouldn’t they be an effective tool in healthcare environments? Some roller coasters even use them to enhance the experience, so it stands to reason that it could provide a better atmosphere for your patients with dental anxiety. The question every oral health professional has to ask is, “Does virtual reality actually work in improving patient comfort?”
The answer to that is an emphatic yes. Studies have shown that the use of virtual reality technology through patient headsets can help to significantly reduce anxiety in individuals. And once they are in the chair for their treatment, it can also provide a soothing distraction from pain and discomfort, which can mean a smoother experience for both the patient and the dentist.
Follow Along With Dental Junkie
Technology is changing dentistry, and those on the forefront stand to see significant advantages over their competition. For more information on how the latest advances in dental technology can help you in your practice, head to Dental Junkie.