No matter how friendly and welcoming dentists are shown in toothpaste ads on television and social media, many people still find dental visits scary and unpleasant. The fear of an instrument drilling in your mouth and ringing through your ears is enough to give you anxiety and stress.
But hey, a dental visit is a must. And there are ways you can deal with this to make any visit a stress free dentistry appointment. Hang on, and let this post discuss the seven tips to make your dental visit a pleasant experience. By implementing these tips, you won’t have to neglect your oral health and always have a sparkly and confident smile.
In This Article
1. Find The Right Dentist
You don’t visit one dentist and decide they’re the right one for you. As you go on with life, you can try several dentists before finally settling for one that makes you feel the most comfortable.
Not all dentist has that light touch that could make even the most complicated procedure, like wisdom tooth extraction, feel like a breeze. But a dentist who can reassure you, comfort you, and make you feel everything will be all right can make all the difference in your dental experience. If you’ve already found this kind of dentist, you can settle for them.
2. Communicate Your Concerns
A dentist who communicates effortlessly will be an excellent choice. Someone who listens to your concerns, tries to understand your fears, and offers you a solution to make a procedure successful is someone you can trust. And as you communicate your concerns to them, try to devise a signal that you could make them pause the procedure to give you a breather.
That is because when having a dental procedure, you can’t say anything since your mouth is wide open, but something may be causing you anxiety, so giving them a signal to stop will be helpful. It could be raising your hand or lifting your foot whenever you feel uncomfortable.
3. Give Yourself A Distraction
You can easily forget something that stresses you during a dental visit if you are distracted or entertained. But since holding a digital device can hinder the procedure, you can instead put on your earphones and listen to music.
This way, you won’t need to use your hands to hold onto something. Make sure to make a playlist of calming music or a collection of music you enjoy. Or, if you prefer listening to a podcast or an audiobook, that could work, too, as long as it takes your mind away from what’s happening in your mouth. Some people use a paper clip in their pocket as a distraction. It’s simpler but still effective.
4. Use Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing and visualization are effective techniques to reduce anxiety and stress. They can help calm your mind and body. This technique requires practice, so you should do this at home before your dental appointment.
To achieve this, you can picture yourself lounging on a tropical island with a cool drink and the wind caressing your face. Or you can take yourself on a specific memory or somewhere you have a special and calming meaning to you. Pair these thoughts with deep breathing to get over the procedure pleasantly.
5. Bring Someone To Support You
Having someone to hold your hand and calm you down can be helpful. A person you trust—like a loved one or a family member who knows your triggers and understands why you feel that way—can help channel your anxiety elsewhere.
Someone who can crack a joke at the right time can help you get through this experience. Maybe they know that laughter can put your mind off something causing you to worry, and hearing jokes from them can help you stay calm and get through the procedure.
6. Request For Anesthesia
If you can’t tolerate pain, you can request anesthesia from your dentist. Dentists offer regional anesthesia that numbs the specific oral area that will undergo the procedure, and some also provide sedation to make patients feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the operation. In some complicated procedures, general anesthesia may be needed.
Talk to your dentist about your preference, as they can suggest the best one for your needs. But it is important to remember that anesthesia comes with potential risks and side effects, and your dentist must be informed of your medical history to prevent any adverse effects it might cause you.
7. Have Something To Look Forward To
Positive reinforcement, like a treat after your appointment, can make you want to get this procedure over and done with. It’s alright to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. That’s what you do to your kids, anyway.
Plan an ice cream stopover before going home, or book an indulgent spa treatment over the weekend. That way, you’ll have something positive and exciting to look forward to and keep yourself distracted from the anxiety of an upcoming dental appointment.
Conclusion
Regular dental visits are vital for your overall health, and it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience all the time. And by following the tips mentioned in this article, you can make your trip to your friendly dentist pleasant and comfortable. So, book your dental appointment now and see how these tips can help you.
