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MANAGING FEAR OF THE DENTIST
When patients tell us they have dental phobia, or fear of the dentist, there is often a dental event in their past that was traumatic. Perhaps as a child they had a scary needle encounter or a dentist who wasn’t very kind. Some patients have such powerful memories that they can’t even book an appointment without fear. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have fear of the dentist. The good news is that there are ways to manage dental fear and anxiety. The first step is for patients to clearly communicate to the dental staff what it is they are afraid of. Is it the needle? The sound of the dental drill? The more detail the dental team has, the more effectively a plan of action can be made. We try to give patients as much control as possible. Whether that means raising their hand to signal a break is needed or holding onto a suction. Other techniques include:
- Distractions like music or video
- Sedation– IV sedation, laughing gas, oral sedation
- Establishing control through hand signals
- Deep breathing
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sunnybrook-health-sciences-centre/fear-of-the-dentist_b_8709004.html
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.