We’ve all been dreading of that date in the calendar that’s inching closer as days go by. You keep on playing that same scenario on your head most of the time; it’s going to be a painful process.
Don’t worry; we get it. Most people equate a tooth extraction or a root canal surgery with pain. It may have come from your childhood memories with having a tooth pulled out or the typical movie stereotype of dentists using sharp, intricate instruments of torture. Still, it’s no surprise that the majority of people are scared to go to the dentist.
So why shouldn’t you fear the dentist? There are tons of reasons that you shouldn’t have to worry about anything. You should even be excited to see that dentist. When you’re done with the whole process, you’ll have a brighter day (and teeth) ahead of you.
Setting Your Expectations
Even though dental anxiety doesn’t seem like it’s related to the overall health of your teeth, it is related to oral health problems. Since dental anxiety can lead to other dental issues, it might lengthen the treatment process. As such, it’s only appropriate to keep calm and composed during an operation.
Additionally, if a dentist or periodontist is operating on your teeth and you’re nervous about what’s happening, tremors might cause some damage since surgeries are often a delicate process.
Communicate with Your Dentist
Usually, anxiety is caused by one major contributing factor: you’re not aware of what the process is like. The best way to alleviate your stress is by asking about what you should be expecting from the operation. Having an honest and frank discussion with your dentist or periodontist will help take away any worries.
During the operation, you can use your body language in communicating with your dentist if you feel uncomfortable with anything that’s happening. It’s also worth noting that sharing your anxiety with your dentist can help alleviate your worries. Doing so can also give your dentist a way of adapting to your emotional needs.
Distracting Yourself
While your dentist is performing their operation on you, you can always kick back and listen to some much-needed music on a device that you have. Doing this will help drown out the sound of the drill or any equipment while also making you less worried.
Breathing Techniques
A tried-and-tested way of getting your anxiety in check is by focusing on a slow and methodical breathing technique. Holding your breath for a few seconds will help decrease oxygen levels, which will then reduce your heartbeat rate, thus reducing panic and muscle tremors.
Look at Some Reviews
Another guaranteed of knowing how your dental clinic operates is by reading online reviews of the place. This idea is especially helpful if it’s your first time there. Look up positive and constructive critiques of your dentist’s services. That will help give you an impression of how they operate while also removing any worries that you have.
Pain Is Part of the Process
If you’re still nervous, remember that pain has always been part of the process. You might be feeling some form of it right now, but after your operation, that sensation will significantly subside as days go by.
Additionally, dentists and periodontists will always have pain-relieving medication that will help you through the process. So don’t worry about anything!
Urgent Operations
These types of dental operations will need proper amounts of attention and care from your dentist. There’s no telling what kind of damage might occur on our teeth. If you’re getting an urgent emergency dental operation on your teeth, then you can take the necessary precautions.
Right after contacting the dentist for an urgent operation, you’ll need 24 hours to prepare. Here are some ways of making your teeth ready:
- While you’re waiting for your appointment, you can wash your mouth with some warm water.
- Apply a cold compress on your cheek to help constrict the flow of blood, which will reduce inflammation and numb nerves to mitigate pain.
- Contrary to what most people believe, aspirin is a big no-no because it will cause complications, such as bleeding and gum damage.
One of the humans’ strengths is that they can adapt to almost any situation that presents itself. If you are aware that a particular activity might be painful, then you can take the necessary measures to alleviate the anxiety before the process. While it’s a common occurrence that people will get nervous right before an operation, just remember that keeping a clear and calm mind will help expedite the process.
You won’t have to worry since dentists and periodontists are trained to handle patients that are having a harder time coping with dental anxiety.