Tips on How to Keep Calm at the Dentist

Visiting the dentist can be a nerve wracking experience, especially if you are in pain and anticipating the worst. From the strange smells to the sound of the drill and feelings of pain and discomfort, even going in for a regular check-up causes anxiety for many people. However, it is important to visit your dentist regularly to avoid dental problems -- and even more visits with your dentist -- down the road.

Find The Right Dentist

• It is important to find the right dentist, especially if you are nervous about going in for dental care. Search for a dentist who understands your fears and is willing to help you overcome them. Get recommendations from friends and family to help you find the right match. Make a list of a few prospective dentists and then arrange for a consultation with each one. Don't be afraid to ask questions; talk to the dentists, dental hygienists and office personnel to decide if the practice is a good fit. Discuss your fears and ask the office staff what they would do to ease your anxiety. Pay attention to your surroundings, and decide if you feel comfortable.

Communicate

• Once you find the right dentist, do not be afraid to communicate your needs. View your dentist as a partner in your health care, suggests Dental Fear Central. Let your dentist know what frightens you. Ask questions to ease your fears. Create a relationship that makes you feel more comfortable. Talk to your dentist about methods you can use to communicate during procedures to let him know if you are uncomfortable, such as a simple hand movement, suggests Delta Dental.

Relaxation and Distraction

• Find ways to relax before and during your visit. Get plenty of sleep the night before your visit. Avoid caffeine, which increases nervousness. Give yourself adequate time to get to your appointment; rushing will only make you more anxious. During the procedure, use breathing and visualization techniques to keep yourself calm. Delta Dental suggests bringing music and a headset so that you can listen to music and distract yourself.

Ask For Sedation

• In addition to localized numbing to reduce pain, many dentists use sedatives to relax their patients. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is an inhaled gas that eases anxiety and creates a sense of well-being. Laughing gas may make dental visits more manageable for you, notes the website Dental Fear Central. For extreme anxiety, IV sedation is an option. This form of sedation is often used when a patient requires extensive work, according to Dental Fear Central. Patients usually do not remember anything when given IV sedation.