Preparing Yourself for a Visit to the Dentist

You check your calendar for this week and realize that you have an appointment with the dentist on Wednesday afternoon. You are going in for your regular six-month checkup and a cleaning, but you realize that your day is jam-packed. You then wonder if you should perhaps reschedule the appointment for a day when you will be less busy. But then you might end up just as busy on that day, and then your dental appointment will be pushed further and further back. You need to prepare in advance for a visit to the dental office, and you need to take as much care of your teeth as you would with the rest of your body.

When it comes to seeing the dentist for regular maintenance, a cleaning, a filling, or some other type of dental work, you should always book your appointments at times that are most convenient for you. Think about your schedule and your personal commitments when booking an appointment. You do not want to come in when you are in a rush or exhausted from a long day at work. This is especially the case if you tend to get nervous about going in for an appointment. Being rushed can increase the stress you feel.

You make time in your life for the people and the activities that mean the most to you. Your teeth and gums matter too, which is why you should give them the time and the attention that they deserve. Do not neglect your dental visits. There are some oral problems that only a doctor can find.

Arrive to the office early to give yourself enough time to register and relax for a short time before your name is called. This can help you to get your bearings and to mentally prepare for what is waiting for you past the reception area. You might see someone you know at the office and have a friendly chat. This can help you to relax even further!

The first visit you have with a new dentist means that you will have paperwork to fill out, and you may have questions to ask of the receptionist. Make sure you bring any information pertinent to your dental and medical history with you to your appointment. For instance, you will need to tell the staff the drugs you are taking, the names of drugs that you are allergic to, and any other information regarding past dental treatments that you feel is important for them to know. If you are pregnant or recently have had surgery then you should make this known as well.

When it is your turn, take the time to talk openly with the dentist before your treatment gets underway. Tell him about what makes you jittery when you come to the office and ask him what he can do to make the experience more soothing. They cannot read your mind about your fears. They have no way of knowing what upsets you unless you speak up. Honest communication counts for so much when you are building a working relationship with a dentist.