Visiting the dentist can be a stressful time for anyone. The whole procedure is pretty invasive and rather uncomfortable. Plus, if your consultation is to have a filling put in or some root canal work, then the entire ordeal can be even more stressful. However, you can’t let your anxiety of the dentist take control of your life. You need to be seeing a dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and oral hygiene remains in good condition. So, if you are someone who is perpetually frightened of seeing the dentist, here are several tips you can use to help mentally prepare.
Find a reliable and friendly dentist
Most of the stress associated with seeing a dentist stems from the professionalism of the actual dentist. If they come across as critical or impolite in your consultations, then this certainly won’t help with your anxiety or fear. You need a friendly and reliable dentist who will treat you with respect and care. The team out at Hawkesbury Family Dental are highly-regarded for their experience and excellent services, so if you’re in need of a new dentist, be sure to give them a call today.
Do a clean up
One of the best things you can do to help out your dentist is to clean and floss your teeth prior to the appointment. It will help streamline the process as your dentist won’t have to spend extra time cleaning your teeth. If you want to be in and out quickly, a quick clean-up is essential.
Arrive slightly early
It’s always good to arrive slightly early for your appointment. There may be some paperwork you need to fill in or update, which means if you arrive early, you’ll have some spare time to complete this before your appointment. The last thing you need is some time-related stress.
Be honest with your dentist
If you are genuinely frightened of dental procedures, make sure you let your dentist know. They’ll endeavour to take more care and time when performing a routine check-up or any other dental related work. They may even offer to help relieve your anxiety by playing soft music or turning on a nearby television as a distraction. Just idle conversation can help a lot. If they know you have some reservations about dental work, they’ll keep you informed as to what is happening every step of the way!
Reward yourself
Once you’ve finished your appointment, make sure you reward yourself! A routine dental check-up can be nerve-wracking, so it’s important for your mental health that you celebrate it. More comprehensive treatments might even result in some dental pain, so a post-appointment reward should definitely be on the cards. So long as you have no restrictions on eating or drinking, maybe order your favourite meal from your local restaurant or go see a movie with friends and family.