By Allen Bryan
Dental appointments are often a scary ordeal for people, as imagining metal tools and x-rays being inserted into the mouth is not a comfortable thought before the procedure. However, as hard as it may be to believe, dentists are not there to hurt you. Feeling a little pain during a dental procedure is normal, as inflamed gums and unclean teeth are more sensitive to the prodding tools. Therefore, the best way to prevent pain during the procedure is to brush twice a day and floss daily in order to maintain good oral health. Yet, there are actually methods that can be employed that “cure” the pain.
An extremely important, yet simple task to do is to address your fears to the dentist. More often than not, the dentist will understand your concerns. Look for a dentist who helps you feel in control of the situation. They should explain the procedure to you, what you will feel, and how long it will last. You should be able to request breaks or ask your dentist to stop if you become uncomfortable. Your dentist may even look for reassurance from you that they can and should continue, checking in with you periodically to make sure you’re comfortable.
If none of the above are helping to eliminate the fear and anxiety, ask about dental sedation options. You may benefit from a gentle form like nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) or you may need something stronger like oral sedation, both medication that help you to relax during your procedure. These options can be extremely effective when the other methods can’t ease your anxiety. There is nothing wrong with requesting extra help to get the dental care you need.
Dental appointments are never fun, but they are nevertheless extremely necessary. To help your situation, there are many ways to calm your nerves. Your dentist will be happy to do anything for you to make you more comfortable. Make the most out of each dental appointment, so that your teeth can maintain their pearly white color.
