Demystifying Dentists: How To Improve Your Next Appointment

Team Power

You may find it helps to bring someone along to your next appointment. As long as they aren’t intrusive, the dentists should have no problem letting them back into the room with you. Even if they don’t, you’ll have the moral support of knowing they are waiting for you out in the lobby and you’ll have someone to talk to if the wait drags on interminably.

Be Prepared

If you are changing dentists, make sure you come prepared to your first appointment. As you’ll probably remember, a new doctor needs to know about your medical history. This means providing them with injuries you’ve sustained in the past, health problems you might be having, any dental work you’ve had done, allergies you have, medications you’re taking, and so on. If you have a lot to remember and think you might draw a blank when the form is in front of you, make sure you make a list of all the important things to have with you at the office.

Be Honest and Upfront

With both doctors and dentists, people have a tendency to downplay symptoms. They fear the worst when it comes to diagnosis and treatment, they don’t want to be lectured, and so they keep things to themselves. Of course, those in the medical profession know some people tend to do this and are trained to work around it, but they can’t read minds. You’re only hurting yourself by not being forthright and honest. And you might need that lecture more than you know.

Seek Sedation

Some dentists are now providing sedation for their patients who can’t bear the thought of staying fully conscious through their appointment. If you have a paralyzing fear of the chair, take a look around and see if any dental offices in your area offer this new, relaxing way to get your teeth examined.