How to Prepare for a Dental Appointment?

Whether it is a standard appointment, an evaluation of dental implants candidacy or consultation prior to emergency dental extractions, patients in Lake Elsinore, CA and the surrounding areas in Temecula Valley often feel unprepared to sit in the chair and undergo the examination. As irrational as it may sound to others, they are paralyzed with fear because they do not know what to expect and they are afraid of what they might hear and how painful the experience may be.

It is important to be properly prepared for a visit to a dentist or oral surgeon for many reasons, all the more so if you are overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of undergoing the exam, as so many people are, regardless of age. What’s more, the sooner tooth decay or gum disease is detected, the sooner can any complications be intercepted. 

If you are properly prepared, you will feel better about the outcome of the procedure, and it is especially important for parents to teach their children how to prepare for a dental appointment. That way, kids can pick up healthy everyday habits from a young age and learn that visiting a dentist is nothing to be afraid of. 

So what can you do to prepare for a dental appointment and make the experience more comfortable?

How do you prepare yourself for a dentist?

Provided that you have found a dentist or oral surgeon you can trust, it is time to prepare for your appointment. The best and most important way to prepare for a dentist appointment is to actually be diligent about your dental and oral hygiene and care. 

If you are extremely nervous, it helps to prepare in advance. Organize your medical history and write down the questions you want to ask, such as specific questions about the procedure, estimated procedure duration, aftercare routine, recovery process and healing time, as well as cost and payment options. 

Your dentist or oral surgeon will perform an exam and check your medical history, past or current medical conditions, and current medication regimen, if any, to make sure that you are healthy enough for the procedure and to predict your recovery time and clinical outcome. If everything checks out, your dentist or oral surgeon will proceed to create your personalized treatment plan.

It is also important to arrive on time so you will have enough time to make yourself comfortable in the office. Besides, if you’re running late, you may feel even more nervous about the appointment itself. 

Are you supposed to brush your teeth before going to the dentist?

Brushing and flossing should be a necessary part of your daily routine, and you should preferably do it after every meal or at least twice a day: once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. Use a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth and avoid damage to tooth enamel. 

How can I make my teeth look good before a dentist appointment?

This is absolutely not something you should worry about. An experienced dentist or oral surgeon is primarily concerned with the outcome of your treatment. They may suggest upgrading your regular dental and oral care routine, but other than that, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

How do you stop anxiety at the dentist?

Being nervous about anything raises a person’s levels of epinephrine in the blood stream. This is a perfectly normal reaction and for many people, this is exactly what happens when they are about to have a dentist appointment. Having a consultation with the dentist or oral surgeon prior to the actual examination can help you calm down.

Is it OK to drink coffee before going to the dentist?

You may want to skip your usual morning coffee or opt for the decaffeinated variety prior to your appointment, especially if seeing a dentist makes you nervous. Caffeine can exacerbate anxiety and may even cause a panic attack. 

Can the dentist give you something for anxiety?

It is common for patients to feel intimidated about their dental appointment, especially if they are about to undergo invasive procedures such as tooth extraction or the less invasive but complex procedures such as bone grafting or dental implant placement. You may notice your heart beating fast and this may worsen once you are administered a local anesthetic. If this is the case with you, you can ask your dentist or oral surgeon whether there are over-the-counter medications you can take to help you calm down.

Concerned about your emergency dental extractions in Lake Elsinore, CA and the area?

If you are nervous about the outcome of your dental appointment, allow us to put your mind at ease and show you that sitting in the dental chair does not have to be uncomfortable and last long. For many of our patients in Lake Elsinore and nearby areas across Riverside County, going to the dentist has been a traumatic experience for as long as they can remember. 

This is the kind of fear that can have long-term repercussions. We here at Dr. Tsvetov’s team want to change that. Our caring and compassionate approach to our patients has been our number one priority since day one, which is why we are especially diligent about making our youngest patients safe, relaxed and comfortable. This helps them develop a healthy attitude toward dental and oral care and help them stay healthy and happy.

We offer free-of-charge consultation for the majority of procedures, so do not hesitate to schedule yours today!