Can Art Be Used to Soothe Dental Anxiety?

October 11, 2024

Art on wall

Most people are at least slightly anxious about seeing their dentists, but a few are so stressed out at the thought of visiting a dental office that they go for years without routine cleanings and fail to receive needed oral health treatments. While there are several dental sedation treatments that can help reduce dental anxiety so these patients can get the care they need, a tasteful display of art at a dentist’s office can help a distressed person feel a little less on edge. Here’s a brief guide to how your sedation dentist can use art to create a more pleasant dental health experience.

Creating a Soothing Office Environment

Some research suggests that being in a room with overwhelming white décor can increase a person’s stress and anxiety levels, and leaving the walls at a dental office plain and white may make it harder for some people to maintain a relaxed state of mind. Thankfully, soft and cheerful colors such as those found in floral arrangements or nature scene paintings can give stressed patients a pleasant distraction. However, pieces with bright colors or stark lines may be rather visually intense, so many dental offices refrain from displaying them.

The Power of Distraction

There are few things worse than being a few minutes away from something you’re anxious about without having anything to distract you from thinking about it. Thankfully, a few interesting art pieces in the waiting room or hallways of a dental office can give patients something to appreciate and mull over when they’re waiting for a dental procedure. Many paintings feature elaborate scenes of crowds going about the hustle and bustle of life, and these pieces are often chock full of fun details, people in amusing situations, and other interesting things to notice.

A Little Local Color

Many people are quite enthusiastic about the towns they live in, so displaying a little local pride can help raise the spirits of anxious patients. A dentist decorating their office with iconic images of local sports stars, historical scenes, or city landmarks can create a sense of community that can help a nervous person trust them a little more. This can make it easier for them to sit calmly and comfortably through a needed dental procedure.

A little tasteful decoration can help a dental office become a more comforting and welcoming place. By displaying soothing and interesting pieces of art, a dentist can create a relaxing environment for patients so they can enjoy more pleasant appointments.

About the Practice

Smile Design Implant Centers restores and enhances smiles from a modern and welcoming office in Reno, NV. Led by Drs. Winfield and Ricciardi, the staff treats each patient with exemplary service, sincere compassion, and a gentle touch. Areas of expertise include prosthodontics, dental implants, periodontal therapy, and restorative and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about how sedation dentistry and other amenities can help you stay comfortable at the dentist’s office, contact the staff online or dial (775) 391-6636.