If you normally have to work in the morning, see if your dentist’s office schedules appointments on weekends.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to your appointment without being late since that might make you more stressed out.
If your loved one can’t come with you, ask your dentist if you’re able to call them during your appointment so you can still hear their voice.
If you haven’t seen your dentist before, stop by their office before your scheduled appointment to meet them and talk about what you’re afraid of. By the time your appointment arrives, they’ll be able to adapt to your specific needs. The dental staff will usually do everything they can to make you feel relaxed during your visit. If your dentist isn’t accommodating to your needs, then it may be time to find a new one. Look for someone who specializes or works with patients that have anxiety since they’ll be able to work around the things that make you nervous.
Ask questions about how painful your procedure will be. Typically, routine cleanings are relatively painless so you shouldn’t worry about them as much. During the procedure, ask them to say what they’re doing out loud so you can mentally prepare for it in the moment.
You’ll usually need someone else to take you to your appointment since sedation affects your ability to drive. If you have serious anxiety or are undergoing a larger procedure, you may be given a full anesthetic and be put to sleep while your dentist works. You won’t feel pain during the procedure if you’re fully put under. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
You can also try following a short guided meditation to slow your breathing and ease your mind. Pair your breathing exercises with progressive muscle relaxation to get rid of physical tension.
If you forgot your headphones, ask your dentist if they have any at the office you can use. Be careful not to bob your head or sing along to your music since it might disturb the work your dentist is doing. Come up with a signal your dentist can use to get your attention while they’re working. For example, you can ask them to tap on your shoulder when you need to stop your music and listen to their instructions.
If they don’t have a TV, ask your dentist if you can watch something on your phone or a tablet.
You can bring your own stress ball, but your dentist may have one at their office if you ask them.
The size of your dose depends on the length of your appointment. For a 1–2 hour appointment, you’ll usually get 0. 125–0. 5 mg of medication. For one that’s 2–4 hours long, you may get 1–4 mg instead. You will need someone to take and pick you up from your appointment since you cannot safely drive after medication.
