Dentist Appointment Ideas for Patients with Dental Fears

Being worried about an appointment with the dentist is normal. Becoming so panicked that you can't make yourself go is a much larger issue. Dental fear is common in patients that have had a bad experience in the past or struggle with the tools and methods necessary to take care of their teeth. Either way, there are a few ways that you can try to beat that dental fear and get the dental work that you need.

Appointment Scheduling

If you dread a dentist appointment, don't make it for the end of the day. This means that all day you are thinking about it and working yourself up into anxiety. If possible, set it for first thing in the morning. It will be done and over with and you can get on with your day. You can also choose a day of the week that works best for you. Is there a day that your life is less stressful or hectic? This might be a good day for an appointment.

Calming Down Before or During the Appointment

If the dentist knows about your fear in advance they may be able to recommend or prescribe something to help with the anxiety. This method of patient care is called conscious sedation. You can take something before your appointment and it can put you in a more relaxed mindset. It is important to realize that if this is the option you choose, you will be unable to drive. Make sure someone can take you to the appointment and home immediately after.

Medication is not the only option. Many times patients have the option of nitrous oxide, most commonly known as laughing gas. Before the exam or dental work begins you inhale through equipment that covers your nose. As you breathe deeply the gas causes you to worry less and relaxes your body as a whole. Once you are released from the gas you are immediately okay. You aren't required to have someone drop you off and pick you up.

Distracting Yourself

Sometimes you just need an old fashioned distraction to keep you from focusing on the dental work that is being done. Consider bringing some type of music listening device into the appointment with you. You can listen to music through ear phones while the appointment takes place. You don't hear any of the noises of the tools and you can focus on the music instead. Some people also listen to audiobooks to distract their mind away from the current situation.

It is important to talk to your dentist about your fears as well as the solution that you are interested in. Most of the time dentists want their patients to feel comfortable so that they continue with the dental work needed. Communication is the key to making your dentist appointments easier and less stressful.