A dentist’s office can be a very frightening place. The unfamiliar equipment, clinical environment and the looming “promise of pain” can all add up to quite an unsettling mental image. With this in mind, it is easy to see why so many patients are hesitant to schedule even a routine checkup. At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we understand that visions of dental appointments weigh heavy in many patient’s minds. Hence, we try our best to manage and minimize fear through a number of techniques and methods.

    One of the first things you will notice upon entering our office is our living-room style waiting room. It is decorated and designed to distract from the overly clinical and impersonal feel many patients normally associate with medical offices. A large television greets you with whatever channel you desire and our front office staff is available to provide you with water, candies or even a hot towel.

    After being seated in one of our exam rooms, you will be given the choice of watching TV, watching Netflix, or listening to streaming radio services. Each room also has over-ear headphones, blankets and pillows available upon request. We feel that the comforting/immersive experience of a good TV show, headphones and a blanket are enough to comfort all but the most fearful patients. These simple services have helped us treat a number of patients who felt they could never make it through an entire dental appointment.

    Beyond these services, we offer a number of medicinal methods to managing fear as well. These methods are either prescribed or offered in our office after a consultation and evaluation. We will try to address dental phobia without medication first, but we are always willing to meet you and your specific needs. If you have questions about these services, please let our front office staff know when you book your appointment.

    If you would like to hear more about our office and how we handle fearful patients and dental phobics, please give us a call. We are always happy to accommodate our patients and make you feel completely comfortable at your appointment. Our ultimate goal if for every patient to have a happy, positive experience at our office!