We know that many people have a terrible fear of general dentistry – even for procedures as simple as a basic cleaning!

As professionals, we know those fears are completely unfounded, but we understand that when you go to the dentist, just as when you go to the doctor, you may be highly nervous. We’ve cobbled together a few tips for making your visit to the dentist a lot easier.

Talk to Us. No, not when we’re doing work; we hate trying to communicate around a mouthful of toothpaste too! But whether you’re here for general dentistry or more complicated prosthodontics procedures, one of the best ways to calm down is to exchange a bit of small talk with your dentist or hygienist. Ask about his or her day and talk a bit about yourself. The more you talk, the calmer you’ll become, and you’ll make friends with your dentist, too.

Knowledge is Power. Ask us questions! Your dentist should be more than happy to answer any questions you have about general dentistry or prosthodontics. Knowing exactly what’s going to happen before you sit in the chair can be a huge load off of your mind. If you’ve been thinking that pointy little instrument is secretly a torture device, finding out it’s simply a plaque-cleaning tool is not only a relief, but pretty interesting. Find out what you’re afraid of and you’ll banish the fear.

Bring a Headset. For prosthodontics procedures that take a fair period of time, like getting crowns, bridges, and caps, bring along a portable headset with your favorite music or a book on tape. Most prosthodonics procedures don’t require any communication from you, and if your dentist needs to ask you a question or request that you tilt your head back, he can always tap your shoulder to request you turn down the volume for a moment. By the time you’re done, you’ll have enjoyed some entertainment and be ready to greet the world with a new smile!

Above all else, comfort is key. You want to be comfortable with your dentist, and you want to be able to sit back and relax, knowing that you’re well taken care of. At our offices, we try to make sure our patients have everything they need to be comfortable in the dentist’s chair, and most of that is open, friendly communication.

The more you learn about your dentist, the more you’ll be ready to trust them with your teeth, your gum health, and your newly-minted crowns, bridges, and caps.

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