Dental procedures like tooth extractions or oral surgery can be intimidating for anyonebut for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorders, or dental anxiety, they can be particularly overwhelming. At McLevin Dental, we believe that preparation is the key to reducing fear and creating a smoother, more comfortable experience.
One of the most effective tools we use is social storiessimple, personalized narratives that explain what will happen before, during, and after a dental procedure.
What Is a Social Story?
A social story is a short, structured narrative that describes a situation, what to expect, and how to respond. Originally developed to support individuals with autism, social stories are now widely used to help anyone with communication challenges, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities understand and cope with unfamiliar situations.
In the context of dental care, social stories help explain procedures like tooth extractions or minor surgeries in a clear, step-by-step way that reduces fear and builds confidence.
Why Social Stories Are Effective for Dental Procedures
Reduce Fear of the Unknown: Patients understand exactly what will happen, removing uncertainty.
Set Expectations: They know what sounds, sensations, and steps to expect.
Increase Cooperation: Familiarity reduces resistance during the appointment.
Empower the Patient: Feeling prepared gives the patient a sense of control.
Support Caregivers: Provides a tool for caregivers to rehearse the process in advance at home.
When to Use Social Stories in Dentistry
Social stories are helpful for:
Tooth extractions (baby or adult teeth)
Wisdom tooth removal
Dental fillings requiring anesthesia
Minor oral surgeries
Any procedure involving sedation or unfamiliar equipment
Whether its a routine extraction or a more complex surgery, social stories prepare patients emotionally and mentally.
What Should a Dental Social Story Include?
A good dental social story breaks the procedure into simple, manageable steps. For a tooth extraction, it might include:
Arriving at the Dental Office
I will go to McLevin Dental. The people there are kind and want to help me take care of my teeth.
Waiting My Turn
I will sit in the waiting room. Sometimes I will wait for a little while.
Going to the Dental Room
I will walk to the room with a big chair. The chair can move up and down.
Meeting the Dental Team
The dentist and helpers will talk to me. They will tell me everything they are doing.
Getting Ready
I will wear a bib and special glasses. The dentist will look at my teeth.
Numbing My Mouth
I might get sleepy medicine for my tooth. This helps my tooth not feel anything.
Hearing and Feeling Things
I might hear a buzzing or feel pressure. That is okay. It means the dentist is helping my tooth.
Taking the Tooth Out
The dentist will wiggle the tooth. I will not feel pain, but I might feel pushing or pulling.
After the Tooth Comes Out
The dentist might put cotton in my mouth. It helps stop the bleeding.
Resting After
I will rest and follow the dentists instructions. My mouth will get better soon.
Going Home
When we are done, I will go home with my caregiver. Maybe I will get a soft snack later.
Feeling Proud
I did a great job taking care of my teeth. Everyone is proud of me.
How McLevin Dental Uses Social Stories
At McLevin Dental, we create customized social stories based on:
The patients communication style (using words, pictures, or both)
Specific details of the upcoming procedure
Sensory sensitivities (e.g., mentioning sounds, lights, or smells)
Individual coping strategies (e.g., knowing when to ask for a break)
We provide these stories in advance so families can review them at home multiple times before the appointment.
Enhancing Social Stories with Other Tools
Social stories are even more effective when combined with:
Visual Schedules: Showing the steps in picture form during the visit.
Role-Playing: Practicing with toy dental tools at home.
Comfort Items: Bringing a favorite toy, blanket, or noise-canceling headphones.
Consistent Language: Using the same phrases during the visit that are in the social story.
Supporting Caregivers and Families
We work closely with caregivers to:
Personalize the social story for the patients needs.
Provide tips on how to introduce and practice the story at home.
Offer guidance on aftercare and managing post-procedure recovery.
Our goal is to support not just the patient, but the entire family or care team.
A Compassionate Approach to Dental Surgery
Dental procedures dont have to be scary. With preparation, understanding, and the right support, patients can feel safe, calm, and successfuleven during a tooth extraction or surgery.
At McLevin Dental, our team is experienced in working with patients who need extra time, patience, and reassurance. Using tools like social stories, we transform dental care into a positive, manageable experience for everyone.
If you or your loved one has an upcoming dental procedure and could benefit from a personalized, supportive approach, contact McLevin Dental today. Together, we can create a dental experience that feels safe, predictable, and empowering.