By: David S. Hornbrook, D.D.S., FAACD, FACE
In my years performing routine, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in the San Diego area, I have come to realize that nearly every person gets nervous about dental work. It’s natural to feel a bit vulnerable in the dentist’s chair, but there are also some easy ways to combat those nerves.
First, you should be open with your dentist and his or her staff about your anxiety. We completely understand, and when we know about your nervousness, we can work with you to ease it. Your dentist may talk to you about sedation dentistry, which involves anti-anxiety medication and twilight sleep. We can also develop signals so you can let us know if you ever feel like you need a break.
There are also a number of things you can do to help. Bring a supportive loved one with you to your appointment. Such a person will know how best to calm your nerves, perhaps by making you laugh, keeping your mind on other things, or going over the details of your procedure at length — whatever is best for you. You can also listen to music during your procedure, so feel free to bring headphones and a device loaded with your favorite songs.
Lastly, I have found that many of my patients are most comfortable when they have armed themselves with knowledge. When planning a procedure with your dentist, be sure he or she gives you a step-by-step walkthrough of how your appointment will go and what to expect. That way, nothing can take you by surprise.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are among the safest in all of medicine, especially when they are performed by a qualified physician. To learn more about anxiety at the dentist’s office and ways to relieve it, please visit my blog.