Do you have a fear of going to the dentist that makes it difficult for you to stick to your appointments? If so, it will help to have some tips to help reduce your anxiety and go through with a cleaning or major dental procedure.
Bring A Friend
It can be hard to follow through with an appointment when it is only up to you to hold yourself accountable. That is why it is worth asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the dentist. Having someone with you will help reduce the chance that you'll simply back out of the appointment and cancel at the last minute.
Use Dental Sedation
Let your dentist know that anxiety is a big problem for you when visiting the dental office for an appointment. They may recommend using dental sedation to help you get through it. There are several forms of dental sedation, and they'll help find a method that works best for you.
For example, oral sedation is used when people have trouble getting to the dentist. You take the pill before you leave your home and it will help you with feeling more relaxed about the appointment. You will not be able to drive a vehicle while under oral sedation, but that is where a friend or family member going with you can help. This will even make the process of sitting in the waiting room much easier for you, so you won't get as worked up.
Laughing gas can also be used for those that just have trouble with the procedures that are being performed. Do not feel like you can't ask for it if you are only going in for a routine cleaning and examination since the whole purpose of sedation is to make you feel relaxed.
For more in-depth procedures, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, you can use IV sedation to ensure that you do not remember anything from the procedure.
Get Plenty Of Rest
It's one thing to be in a bad state of mind due to anxiety, but a lack of sleep can have a physical effect on your body that does not help the situation. Make sure that you get plenty of rest the night prior to the appointment so that your body feels good. You don't want to be in a situation where you can barely function while trying to make it through a dental appointment.
If you have further concerns, reach out to your family dentist.
Share11 March 2020
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.