New hope and encouragement has come to those who suffer from dental anxiety thanks to the formation of the ISDAM or the International Society of Dental Anxiety Management.

From the ISDAM website:

There are numerous dental anxiety management techniques and the society will bring together all psychological, pharmacological, clinical, technological etc techniques utilised in helping people overcome their fears and phobias.

Dr. Mike Gow one of the founding members has built a large successful practice based on helping those with dental anxiety cope with the stress of a dental visit.  Dr. Gow has also been a pioneer in new techniques for helping those who suffer from dental anxiety.  The society will also include the work for Dr. Rick Varlinsky a psychologist and researcher on the cutting edge of stress and dental anxiety therapies.

Congratulations to ISDAM on their formation and best of luck to them in their work!

Dr. Gow has built his highly successful practice by offering the most advanced techniques and technologies to patients.  He specializes in helping patients who have high dental anxieties and fears.  His use of the b-Calm system has added significantly to his practice and has garnered the attention of regional media.

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John entered my life and my dental world at the age of 2.  Dr. Suzy (MD), John’s mom, brought John into my scary dental world with its noises, smells and bright lights with the hope that I would show John the same patience I showed to her at an early age also as my patient.

John’s success in my office came very slowly, sometimes at his six month recall simply handing John a toothbrush and telling him that he was my friend.

After approximately three years of slow patient care Grandma Barb brought John in for his routine care appointment.  I had been using the dental version of the b-Calm technology on my highly anxious patients and asked Grandma Barb if I could try the b-Calm unit with John (even though the ear buds were too large and had to be held in place.)  My heart literally jumped for joy as an agitated child was carried to a safe place as I for the first time “counted” John’s teeth.  I think Grandma Barb was pleasantly shocked at John’s successful dental visit.

This was b-Calm’s first step into the world of autism.  This spawned our very positive research findings with local state universities, and our autism conference in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as the exciting birth of Champions of Autism, a non-profit entity.

My life experience with John continued as John, Dr. Suzy and myself went to Dr. Ed’s office, an oral surgeon friend, for John to have some teeth extracted (due to lack of space).  Through no prodding from me John’s b-Calm’s unit was in Dr. Susie’s hand as we entered Dr. Ed’s suite.  Dr. Susie asked John if he wanted his b-Calm at which time John answered “of course”.  John was placed in the dental chair, surrounded by five adults, bright lights with no visual negative response.  He did react as we all would as an IV was placed in his hand.  The work was uneventful and Dr. Susie’s fears with John not being able to handle this experience were pleasantly forgotten.  Dr. Ed’s comments were that “normal” treatment of an autistic child would be IM sedation and then work would proceed.  He was pleased at the effectiveness of the b-Calm unit.

My life story with John continues.  I have been thanked by Dr. Suzy and Grandma Barb numerous times.  I do not think they believe me when I thank them for allowing John to be part of my life.  I look forward to be able to rejoice in his successes and truly thank God for allowing John to be a champion in my life.

-Dr. Ken Budke, Founder of b-Calm

In the video, Dr. Sahota and Dr. Groves talk about using an audio player and doing relaxation techniques to help deal with fear during dental procedures.  b-Calm was designed to serve both of these functions and can be a great tool for dealing with anxiety.

Chico dental anxiety coach praises system making Calif. debut in Redding

CHICO, California – Thirty million to 50 million Americans are so fearful of the dentist they will avoid treatment, only seeking help when the pain becomes debilitating. Sadly, when they do arrive at the dentist office, these patients often find little available to help calm their fears. But a local doctor who is nationally recognized for his work with patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety says a device making its California debut in Redding will change all that.

Dr. Rich Varlinsky, a dental anxiety coach and researcher, has been studying dental anxiety for 10 years. He notes that dentistry has made tremendous advances in tools and techniques during the past 50 years, painlessly restoring and improving teeth that were once routinely removed.

“However, the problem of dental anxiety remains largely unaddressed. What we’ve found is a tremendous need for coping strategies that can put patients with serious dental fear at ease,” Dr. Varlinsky said. “Unfortunately, aside from anti-anxiety medications or oral and IV sedation, dentist have very little to offer as solutions for anxious or phobic patients. Also, many people cannot or choose not to use sedation or other medications. They would welcome a non-medication alternative but usually there is not anything that the dentist can offer. It is truly an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed.”

Varlinsky said it is only in the past three years that new technology has come to market that stands to make a difference. Dr. Ken Budke, a practicing dentist himself for over 30 years, knows all too well the complaints and fears of patients.

“I can give someone a local anesthetic for the pain, but I had nothing available for their fear. My staff and I would go out of our way to be friendly and caring with our patients but that was often not enough,” recalled Budke, who lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  “I found the fear was often related to the sound of the dental drill.”

With that knowledge, Dr. Budke started b-Calm, LLC. Working with acoustics researchers, Budke developed the b-Calm AudioSedation system – a simple audio player built especially for the dental office. The system contains a unique blend of nature sounds and noise masking signals which Budke uses to significantly calm his patients by giving them noise relief. “When you block even a portion of the disturbing sounds in a dental office, you give a fearful patient a real mental escape from what is usually a frightening experience,” he said.

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Now b-Calm is making its California debut. Dr. John Sutherland in Redding is the first California dentist in the state to implement b-Calm into a dental practice. In another ground-breaking step, Sutherland is teaming with Varlinsky to study the system’s effectiveness. So far, the results have been impressive.

“I use b-Calm on my patients with an aversion to the high-frequency whine of my high-speed hand piece. b-Calm blocks much of the sound my patients associate with their fears,” Sutherland said. “By blocking and masking that sound they can relax more and reduce the anxiety associated with dental treatment. I am committed to using the b-Calm system and hope more dentists will explore it because it’s extremely easy to use and it works.”

Varlinsky added, “I believe that the b-Calm system represents the first significant advance in dental anxiety treatment we have seen in the past 75 years. It is a non-invasive system that can be easily implemented in any dental setting. I recommend this device to the dental offices I work with. This system represents a beacon of hope for those trapped by dental anxiety and fear.”

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The review, written by Dr. George Freedman expounded on the features and benefits of the b-Calm system as well as the positive effect on patients:

The calming sounds [of b-Calm] relieve anxiety and decrease stress to the patient, which in turn decreases stress in the dental team.

-Dentistry Today, December 2009

It is often overlooked how much the stress being experienced by the dental patient is picked up second hand by the dentist and assistants during the course of the procedure.  When the stress to the patient is effectively addressed, the results benefit not just the patient, but the entire dental office.

b-Calm represents a economical and simple method of reducing stress from the patient to the dentist.  As the b-Calm is integrated into the practice, patients will enjoyed an improved experience and dentists will be able to serve more patients better.  Dentistry today sums it up best by saying:

b-Calm is sound advice for audio sedation.

-Dentistry Today, December 2009

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A lot.

Modern dentistry demands the utmost cleanliness for protection against communicable disease.  In today’s environment of increased media focus on influenzas such as the H1N1 virus, the proactive dental practitioner will use all available methods to protect patients.

The b-Calm system is on of the first in office audio based systems to address this issue.  Typical audio entertainments systems are not designed for use in a medical environment.  They may be damaged by medical grade cleaners, collect dirt, or be made of materials that attract and retain contamination.

The b-Calm system was designed to address hygene issues in a unique and innovative way that adds to the performance of the system.

The primary point of contact with the b-Calm system is the earphones.  Early on, b-Calm engineers identified a ear-bud style earphone as the best method for delivering AudioSedation.  To greatly reduce the chance of contamination between patients, a novel earbud tip was developed.  The tip, currently patent pending, works as both a passive noise suppressor, and can be easily replaced after use.  With replaceable tip, time consuming cleaning is eliminated and patients can be ensured that the product they’re using is safe and clean.

The b-Calm earphone tip is just one of the many features that make the AudioSedation system a safe and effective means of addressing dental anxiety.  To learn more, see our product description page for professionals.

I just wanted to encourage everyone to take a minute and listen to the noise around them and consider how it might be affecting them. This is especially important for those with ASD and heightened sensativities to certain sounds. The good news is there’s simple things you can do to help the situation:

1.) Seal the Door

Even when a door is closed, noise and sound will find it’s way through the cracks. In fact, the biggest culprit to sound getting through the door is often the crack at the bottom between the door and the floor. Some simple weather stripping from the local hardware store, or even a rolled up towel laid at the bottom of the door will make a big difference.

2.) Soft Walls will Help

When sound bounces around a room (reverberation), the room will sound louder. If you spend time in a room with a cement floor, bare walls, and hard ceiling, noise will be a bigger problem. Acoustics engineer using fix this by adding something soft or plush to the room. A large rug on the floor, thick curtains on the walls, or cheap ceiling tiles can make a big difference.

3.) Ear Protection Works

They may not win any fashion awards, but a pair of earplugs or earmuffs will go along way to protecting your hearing and your sanity if you have to venture into any loud environment. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Those cheap foam earplugs from your big-box store of choice will do wonders. Here’s the quick test: if you can’t sleep at the end of a day because of the ringing in your ears, then you’ve done damage to your hearing and should wear hearing protection next time.

4.) Some Noise is Good

Not everyone likes dead quiet. There are sounds that help us relax and focus. Waves on the beach or the sound of a gentle rain are sounds that people find enjoyable. Even more, these sounds can be used to block out the stuff that is irritating (what audio engineers call “masking”). Sometimes, a simple fan blowing air in the corner is enough, if not there are a variety of sound machines, noise maskers, and CDs to choose from. b-Calm has developed technologies that work to bring a robust version of noise masking, called AudioSedation, to individuals with ADD and ADHD.

5.) Think of Noise Like Pollution

Just as we look to avoid dirty air and polluted water, we need to look out for noise pollution. If you’re looking for a new home or apartment take a minute to walk around and listen for noises that you may not want to listen too every day. It’s easy to dismiss these things, but you may reget it later when the distant rumble of a nearby intersection keeps you awake at night. When possible, get out into the country and get away from the background roar of the city. An hour or two at your favorite state park will do wonders for your whole body.

Hopefully these ideas will help make your world a little quieter. It doesn’t take much to give your ears a break, and your mind and body will thank you.

Curtis Carroll
Engineer
b-Calm llc.

Getting a crown usually takes two visits. The first visit involves shaping the tooth and putting on a temporary crown. You are being numbed up, because the crown has to be a certain thickness to maintain its durability, the tooth material is removed to make room for the required thickness of the crown. The tooth is shaped so the crown will fit properly over the top of it. If the tooth is missing a portion of the crown a post may be added for stability.

Next, an impression of the tooth is made and sent to an outside laboratory that will manufacture the crown, which can take up to three weeks. In the meantime, the dentist places a temporary crown, which is usually made out of plastic or metal, over the tooth to protect it while waiting for the permanent crown to arrive. The temporary crown is cemented in place.

When the permanent crown arrives a second visit is scheduled.  If you are very sensitive you may be numbed up, but this is not always needed. The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown fitted.  Your bite will be checked to make sure the crown fits properly. Once you and the dentist feel it fits right, then it is cemented in place and the procedure is done.

There is a new type of crown called Cerec.  Cerac eliminates a few of those steps, the best of which is that two to three week waiting period! Cerec (Chaiside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics),a company specializing in ceramic restorations, has a system called “Computer-assisted-design-Computer-assisted-manufactured” or CAD-CAM that makes it possible for the Cerec dentist to make the crown right there in his office in about 20 minutes, so it completely does away with the need for that second visit.

As far as cost, there is really not much difference between a Cerec crown and a traditionally made crown, but a Cerec crown does have a few advantages over a porcelain covered metal crown. First, and probably the biggest advantage is the time it takes to manufacture the crown, which allows it to be completed all in one visit. Second, because it is manufactured out of a single block of ceramic, it is very durable and long-lasting. Third, because of the precision of digital measurements, more of the natural tooth is maintained. Fourth, the look of ceramic is cosmetically more natural-looking. The disadvantages of a ceramic crown is that it takes specialized training on the part of the dentist and not all are experts in this field, so finding a highly skilled Cerec dentist may not be easy at this time, depending on where you live.