Dentists – Ways to Feel at Ease When Visiting One

Even though you know the importance of going to see dentists, it still may not make the ordeal any easier. Maybe you’ve had a bad experience and don’t want to go back. On the other hand, you may have never seen this type of doctor and have a great fear of the unexpected. Bottom line, it’s essential that you get check ups and see your doctor regularly if you want to keep your mouth in top shape. Examine a few ways you can make your visit a bit easier.

Do your research - Although it may seem that this should go without saying, it’s mandatory that you only go to dentists that are experienced and highly skilled. Ask family and friends about their own doctor and find out how long they’ve been going to that office. It could help you reduce your anxiety if you go to someone that a family member or friend recommends highly. Ask about a typical visit and what the experience was like. This way, you won’t be in for too many surprises. Of course you want to make sure your doctor has the necessary education and certification to practice dentistry. Furthermore, make the doctor has at least five to 10 years of expertise. There’s nothing wrong with deciding against getting your teeth worked on by someone fresh out of school.

Get distracted - The sound of a drill can be absolutely excruciating for some people. Even though dentists use these tools in a professional manner, it can still unnerve you. If you just cannot take the thought of listening to a drill throughout the procedure, ask to wear ear plugs or a head set before the doctor gets started. Sometimes soft music or simply blocking out the sound can work wonders. If you don’t have any of these things available, try to have the doctor talk with you about something totally unrelated to dentistry. This can at least help take your mind off the sound.

Practice breathing - When going to dentists’ offices, some people get the feeling that they’re stuck in the chair with no way out. Even though this is the farthest thing from the truth, it is still a very real problem for some. Breathing deeply and evenly can help calm you down and ease your stress. However, because of the fear and anxiety, some folks hold their breath and may even hyperventilate. If this sounds like you, take the time to practice deep breathing through your nose and out your mouth. This should help you relax a bit.

Make sure you’re numb - Depending on the procedure, some dentists will need to apply numbing medicine with a needle. However, it is up to you to tell your doctor whether or not you feel anything. Before having the doctor get started with any poking or prodding, move your tongue around and check and see if you can feel anything at all. Report even the smallest twinge or touch of feeling to your doctor so he or she knows that you’ll need a little more medicine.