Do you have a dental appointment coming up?
Many people have dental anxiety, leading them to put off appointments for too long. This leads to poor oral health, cavities, and even gum disease!
We want to help by telling you how to prepare for your dental appointment. Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be a stressful encounter if you prepare yourself ahead of time.
Whether you’re there for a checkup and routine cleaning, or you have a dental procedure coming up, keep reading for our checklist for preparing for your next dentist’s appointment.
Have Information on Hand
If you’re going to a dentist that you’re already familiar with or one who’s within your network, they probably already have most of your information on hand.
New dentists, however, will need you to provide them with information so they can treat you. You’ll need health records, dental records, proof of your identity, and likely your social security number.
You’ll also need your insurance information if you have it. If not, you can discuss payment methods with the staff at the front desk so they can get that information written down as well.
It will make your life and the lives of the office staff easier if you come prepared.
Ask Questions
It’s never a bad idea to ask questions. Most of the time it will be the staff answering questions for you rather than the dentist, but they’re knowledgeable and willing to help with anything that you need.
Ask questions about the process of your appointment. Ask about the dentist’s expectations and how they tend to run their procedures.
If you’re new to the office, ask if there’s some kind of payment plan or program available, and be sure to ask whether or not they take your insurance.
Asking questions before you go to your appointment is normal, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re bothering the staff. You want to be as prepared as possible, and asking questions is the best way to do that.
Talk About Your Anxiety
If you’re someone who has a hard time managing your dental anxiety, these appointments are a big deal. Dentists understand dental anxiety, and they’re ready to help you deal with it. They can make suggestions for anxiety management before your appointment happens.
Depending on the procedure, your dentist may have some sedation or pain relief options that can take away some of your worries. The dentist can also walk you through the procedure so you can understand it better, giving you less to worry about. Sometimes the biggest source of anxiety is the unknown.
Follow Dentist’s Instructions
If you’re preparing for a procedure, are there any instructions that your dentist gave you ahead of time? If so, it’s a good idea to write them down so they’re easier to remember and follow.
Some procedures require that you don’t eat or drink too soon ahead of time. For others, the dentist might want to make sure that you eat before the appointment because eating after will be difficult.
If you’re going to be sedated, some dentists will ask that you have someone else drive you to the appointment.
Regardless of what’s happening, the best course of action is listening to the dentist and doing what they ask you to do.
Get There on Time or Early
You need to plan your day around the appointment. Getting there on time (or early) is crucial if you don’t want to miss your spot!
Getting there early gives you time to get all of your paperwork in order without rushing. It also ensures that you won’t have to rush or take up the time of other patients.
Be respectful and arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep and Relax
Getting a good rest before your appointment is crucial. This will help you lower your stress levels so you’re able to get to your appointment with less anxiety.
Some numbing agents can make you feel tired after your appointment. This is normal, so getting rest ahead of time can offset that additional fatigue.
Adequate rest also prepares you for better healing, so if you’re having a procedure done it’s a great way to keep your body in good condition.
Brush Your Teeth
Even though dentists have seen it all, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth before you go to the dentist.
Having unbrushed teeth or bad breath might make you feel self-conscious. It shouldn’t, but cleaning ahead of time will make you feel more comfortable once your dentist gets to work.
Your dentist won’t judge you for not brushing in the middle of the day, but everyone appreciates a clean mouth!
Remember Why You’re There
Once you’re in the chair it can be hard to remember why you made the appointment in the first place. If you’re just there for an annual checkup but you have some oral concerns, it’s even harder.
Have you been feeling some excess sensitivity or pain in your teeth? Do your gums bleed when you floss? Make a note of these things on your phone or on paper so you remember to bring them up!
Don’t Stress Over Your Dental Appointments
Dental appointments are a breeze when you prepare ahead of time. Use our guide to get yourself in order and you’ll be ready to see your dentist in no time.
Remember, not feeling prepared for an appointment isn’t an excuse for putting it off. Come see your dentist today!
Are you looking for a new dentist in the Denver area? At Willow Creek Way dental, we’re here to make your smile shine. Contact us to ask any questions or set up an appointment!
