Tips and Tricks for a Comfortable Dental Appointment

Tips and Tricks for a Comfortable Dental Appointment

September 10, 2024

Most people don’t prefer the sounds of dental equipment, such as the dental “drill” when getting a tooth fixed, or the ultrasonic scaler when getting their teeth cleaned.

Although we strive to make Sacramento Natural Dentistry as relaxing of an environment as possible, here are some suggestions that may make it even more comfortable for you.

Bring some entertainment

While you can’t read a book or scroll through your social media while getting your dental treatment or cleanings, you can listen to an audiobook or your favorite play list through your earbuds.

This is a great way of distracting your senses and cutting down on the background noise. Distractions can ease your mind, decrease discomfort and may help your body relax during your time in the dental chair, even if you are getting a tooth extracted.

We recommend choosing relaxing music, an engaging audiobook or an intriguing podcast to help keep your mind off the things in your mouth!

Try to choose something that you won’t have to reset, restart, look up or change on your screen more than once every 30 minutes or more for the best experience.

Bring a small comfort item

This does not mean bring the comforter from your bed (ha-ha). But you can bring your favorite small throw blanket which may keep you warm if you get chilled in our air conditioned office. We have blankets available for your comfort at our office as well. They can provide a nice, snuggly feeling of support. Moreover, it may offer a way to self-soothe by having a soft surface to pet.

Enjoy the dental chair

I know this may sound surprising, but our patients love sitting in our dental chairs because they are topped with memory foam pads that help you feel nestled into place as you receive gentle dental care by Dr. Azouz and his professional team.

Consider sedation options

If your anxiety about the dental experience it too difficult for you to overcome with natural means, we offer sedation options you so that you can complete most or even all of your dental treatment in one day and possibly not even remember being in the dental chair!

Dr. Azouz is certified in Adult Oral Conscious Sedation which is when he gives you a sedative medication to make you feel very comfortable and relaxed. You are still conscious but it generally relieves all anxiety and discomfort. Patient’s with high dental anxiety really love this service.

Additionally, we invite an anesthesiologist into our practice several times each year to administer I.V. Sedation to children over the age of 2 and up to adults. This makes dental treatment a pleasant experience for everyone and helps foster life-long positive feelings about dental visits in children especially.

Additional ways to make your dental experience more relaxing may include:

Arrive a little early so you are not rushed and frazzled when you walk in the door.
Take a few deep breathes in your car, in the waiting room and in the dental chair to calm your mind.
Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea before your appointment.
Dab some essential oils on your wrist and neck before dental treatment. Some relaxing oils are lavender, neroli, peppermint, holy basil, roman chamomile.
Supplementing with L-Theanine and/or GABA has been studied and shown to diminish anxiety1, stress, low mood and help with blood pressure. As always, speak with your medical doctor before taking any supplements or making lifestyle changes.

 

Written By Angela Goldthwaite, RDAEF2

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