Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 22/02) - Drills, X-rays, a stranger poking around in your mouth -- what kind of nightmare is this?

No, it's not a scene from Alien Autopsy -- it is your regular trip to the family dentist.

In the past dental visits were the scenes of much fear and loathing.

However, advances in technology have helped to alleviate the apprehension associated with dental procedures.

"The most important thing is to try and make patients as comfortable as possible," said Dr. Hassan Adam, of the Adam Dental Clinic. Many dental clinics are starting right from the point of entry to ensure dental visits are pleasant and comfortable.

Soft couches, music and the latest magazines ease tension and provide a sense of home.

Even the examining rooms are designed to help make the patient feel at home.

"We choose a chair that has upholstery that is as comfortable as possible, we also have pillows and blankets," said Adam.

The rooms are bright and kept tidy, all factors that Adam said makes people feel safe and at ease.

During dental procedures Adam said it is very important that patients are constantly communicated with and involved in the procedure.

"A few patients want to be distracted so we make sure we have music playing. We have a television in every room. Some clinics have an interactive device that goes over the eyes so you can watch videos and so on."

"A few patients you can do all those things and there is still fear."

In those instances the age old trick of pharmacological assistance comes into play.

"A few patients we do, use medications (to relax)," he said.

Children receive an extra treat to make the trip to the dentist fun.

"There are always little goodies at the end," said Adam.

So do the techniques work? Brooke Harley seems to thinks so.

"It's exciting. I like getting stickers or treats. It's not even scary when I get needles," she said.

A lot has changed from when Darcy Lorenzen was a kid.

"You don't even feel the needle any more they are so good at them. It's a lot different than going to dentists when I was a kid," he said.