Going to regular dentist appointments is an important part of taking care of your health, but having dental anxiety can make it feel very difficult. By following the tips below, you can make sure that your appointment is a success despite your dental fear.
Choose the Right Dentist
Dentists deal with nervous patients in different ways, and you can make your dentist appointment a success by choosing a dentist who will be able to help you with your nerves. Tell your dentist that you are a nervous patient, and try to come up with a strategy together. For example, you could agree on signals for when you need to take a break or ask your dentist lots of questions to make the process less scary and mysterious. See how receptive your dentist is to these strategies, and how pro-active they are in suggesting them – you deserve someone who will take your concerns seriously and who will try to help you.
Book Your Appointment Strategically
Choosing the right appointment is also a great way to ensure that your appointment is a success. Think about the time of day you would prefer — for example, a lot of people would prefer an early morning appointment, as it gets it out of the way and means they will not be worrying all day. However, some choose a later appointment as a family member, partner, or friend will be able to attend with them at that time, providing them with moral support. Think carefully about whether you want to take someone with you, and choose a time that suits both of you.
Work Through Your Thoughts
Working through your thoughts and getting them out of your head is an essential part of making sure that your appointment is successful. For example, you could journal about your anxiety, whether that means simply getting all your feelings out onto the page, which will make you feel better, or choosing a more systematic method where you explore why you are anxious and what could actually happen during your appointment. You could also talk to your friends and family about your anxiety, or to someone else you trust. Finally, try learning a few meditation or breathing techniques for the actual appointment to help you control your anxiety.
If you choose a dentist who will respect your unique anxieties and needs, book an appointment that is right for you, and journal or talk through your thoughts in advance; then you can ensure that your dentist appointment goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.
To learn more, contact a dentist near you.
