Your Single Best Tip for a Successful Visit to the Dentist

[walkingridge]

Hi,

This is my first ever post. I wish I had seen this site before I was able to cope with the dentist. It took me over 20 years to get back.

I wonder if a thread like this may help. What would be your single best tip and why? Here's mine.

If you are able to identify it tell the dentist the main thing that bothers you and talk this through until you come up with some kind of solution. My dentist asked me that question (thank goodness) and I said that it was the sharp, metal instruments going in my mouth and poking about (it still bothers me even to type this). He simply said "OK I wont use them - I will just use my fingers or use other softer tools if I really have to" I had been worrying about that for years and there was a straightforward alternative.....

Anyone else have one top tip?

 

[brit]

Yes. Find a dentist who instantly makes you feel more relaxed when you meet them, than you did sat in the waiting area not knowing what they even looked like maybe. Good chairside manner is everything to anxious patients.

 

[RP]

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[Pianimo]

Yes. Find a dentist who instantly makes you feel more relaxed when you meet them, than you did sat in the waiting area not knowing what they even looked like maybe. Good chairside manner is everything to anxious patients.

100% agree.

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Haha! Also 100% agree!

Actually, between the three of you, you've probably covered my best advice. (As extension to walkingridge's tip, I'd say to talk to your dentist about all your fears and worries.)

But, to add another tip: remember, when you're anxious, Google is not your friend!

 

[Aldridge]

I think the thing which has helped me the most at the dental surgery I now use is that this dentist was the first one who ever said that if I just put a hand up, he would stop. I'm not a control freak, but my fears all stemmed from a school dentist whom I was totally unable to stop. I've never (yet!) had to use this stop signal because this guy is very gentle and I trust him, but it is a great comfort to know I COULD use it and he WOULD stop. If your dentist doesn't suggest this himself, it might be a good thing to discuss.

 

[kitkat]

Building on the comment posted by Aldridge I would say going into every appointment knowing that YOU are in control and have every right to assert that power however and whenever necessary.