Ensuring patients are comfortable throughout dental treatments is imperative to improving the patient experience. Patients that feel happier about their treatment, may be more willing to actively participate in their care.
However, dentistry is not always a trouble-free experience. Dental anxiety is a widely reported problem for patients, and just the thought of an uncomfortable situation is enough to prompt unease and apprehension in affected patients.
The use of radiography, though necessary to inform many treatment plans, can be a source of discomfort and anxiety. Dental professionals must ensure that patients are comfortable with the use of radiographs to attain high quality information that can inform clinical care and make the overall experience efficient. It is also necessary to avoid the potential need for repeated exposures, which can lead to various health problems over time (including a risk of developing cancer).
Understanding how to help patients who are uncomfortable with radiograph capture is essential.
A source of concern
Dental radiographs are performed in a number of ways. Bitewing and periapical x-rays require patients to retain a receptor intraorally for the duration of the exposure, whilst cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans need patients to hold still as the device rotates around their head. Both methods can be uncomfortable.
The literature notes that in general healthcare, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multi-slice computed tomography each provoked increased anxiety when scans were focused on the head and neck region due to claustrophobia. In dental care, extraoral devices have differing physical configurations, and tend to be less intimidating for patients, though are not anxiety-free.
Studies observing the patient experience during bitewing radiographic exposures have also found some individuals experience notable levels of discomfort with wired sensors. However, it has been recognised that with an ergonomically shaped wired sensor, the perception of discomfort may not differ significantly from the use of conventional film, which presented the best satisfaction scores for the procedure.
Patient comfort during a radiograph exposure is not only important for their emotional wellbeing and their perception of the treatment. It can also impact the clinical information available to dental professionals. An anxious patient may be likely to adjust their position, consciously or otherwise, and invertedly create motion artifacts on the resulting image. Patient anxiety has been discussed as a possible reason for movement during CBCT examinations due to physical symptoms such as feelings of tension and jumpiness, restlessness, tremors and twitches, and the same issues may apply to intraoral radiograph exposures.
Control and communication
A lack of control is a common cause for dental anxiety and has been thought to cause discomfort during the radiographic procedure, especially where patients do not completely understand how a device operates.
Taking the time to explain to patients what will happen during the radiograph, how potential risks of exposure may be mitigated, and explaining that the scan may feel like it takes longer than anticipated could be helpful to reduce anxiety. The duration of the treatment is an important factor to note in some circumstances. Not only will patients need to remain still to avoid movement artifacts, but the longer acquisition time of a CBCT scan compared to a panoramic image is a potential reason for increased dental anxiety, despite the similarity of the patient positioning.
Clinicians should ensure that they explain the radiographic process in simple terms, perhaps with the use of playful language for paediatric patients. Some clinicians choose to emphasise the importance of a radiographic examination to complete a confident clinical diagnosis, which may be effective with non-compliant or apprehensive patients.
Comfortable solutions
Clinicians should consider the design of the radiographic equipment they employ, as it is evident that it can play a role in minimising patient anxiety. A solution like the RVG 5200 from Carestream Dental is optimal for clinicians wanting intuitive and high-quality intraoral imaging options. The ergonomic design features a compact cable housing, rounded corners and a thinner cable for simple use and improved patient comfort.
Patient comfort in dental radiography is paramount to improve an individual’s experience of treatment and ensure the best environment for high-quality diagnosis. By choosing solutions that are minimally intrusive and communicating clearly, patiently and effectively with patients, clinicians can make the procedure more comfortable for every attendee.
References available on request.
For more information visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk