We understand that visiting the dentist isn’t exactly the most exciting time of your life, and for some individuals, it can be quite scary. However, it is vital to make sure you are showing up for your regularly scheduled cleanings at the least to maintain your oral health. To help ease your mind, we put together these five tips to make your next visit a little less traumatizing.
- Request a numbing cream
- We cannot stress this enough – do NOT be afraid to ask for numbing cream! Everyone has different sensitivity thresholds, and your dentist will be understanding in wanting to make sure you are comfortable. If you’ve never used numbing cream before, it’s a topical application to the gums to help not feel things so acutely. It wears off shortly after your appointment, so you won’t need to worry about drooling on the way home or back to work.
- Have your dentist walk you through your procedure or cleaning
- If you have more of a controlling personality (in a good way), this one is for you. Having the rundown of what will be happening while you are in the chair will help you prepare for what you can expect. As the patient, you have the right to know what is happening as giant metal tools are entering your mouth.
- Schedule at a less stressful time of the day
- Timing is everything when it comes to an appointment. Trying to arrive on time in rush hour will add to the anxiety you already have when bursting through the door. Try coordinating your appointment day/time during a slower work week or less busy portion of the day. Ask your dentist’s office when it is a less hectic timeframe to help ease in and out with a lot of commotion around you as well.
- Tune out with music
- There is no greater distraction than music to help transport your mind to a more peaceful place as your teeth are being scraped. Ask your dentist in advance if you can bring along some earbuds and coordinate a signal if your specialist needs you. Create a playlist that will last about the length of the appointment to calm your nerves with whatever you prefer. Rock out to AC/DC or mellow out to the violin covers from groups like the Vitamin String Quartet.
- Plan on a post-visit reward
- Who doesn’t love a little positive reinforcement? Remember when you would get a lollipop after your doctor’s visit and think it was the greatest gift you had ever received? Apply that same technique to your next dentist visit and reward yourself with something awesome! Planning something nice, like a little retail therapy or outing, can help you get through the visit.
If there is anything we can do to help you at your next appointment, please don’t hesitate to ask! Schedule your appointment online or call us at (561) 495 – 2099. You can also check out our COVID-19 FAQ page to learn about the safety measures we have in place during the pandemic.
