It’s normal to feel a little nervous before a dental appointment. Even a simple cleaning may cause some anxiety, but here’s the good news! Our team at Lakeside Dental isn’t here to judge, compare, or make you feel rushed during your appointments. We’re here to help you relax and make the most of your visit. With a little advanced planning and preparation, you can walk in to our Folsom dental practice feeling more at ease, and afterwards walk out with a healthier smile.
Plan Ahead
If you get nervous about dental visits, planning ahead lowers your blood pressure and reduces anxiety. Plan to arrive well before your appointment so that you don’t rush. Leave at least an hour open after your dental appointment so that you don’t feel stress about getting your procedure “done on time.” Health care needs can be unpredictable, so allowing sufficient time for your appointment both before and after lets us provide you with the best care possible.
If you have young children, make arrangements for child care during the time of your dental appointment. Although we love seeing families in our office, children cannot join you in the exam room during treatment. All of us need to focus completely on your own health care during dental dental procedures, so make sure that you have someone available to care for them.
Start Fresh
Before heading to your appointment, brush and floss your teeth. If you have it, rinse with mouthwash. It’s a simple way to start your visit with a “clean slate.” This allows your dental hygienist to focus on cleaning the persistent tartar that is their primary objective during a dental cleaning. For other procedures, a clean mouth lets us start right away on accomplishing our mutual goals for improving your dental health.
If You Have Dental Anxiety
Some people try to calm their nerves with alcohol before their dental visits, but we don’t recommend that. Alcohol can interact with medications or sedation options we use to keep you comfortable. If you feel high anxiety, instead of self-medicating, ask us about sedation dentistry. It’s a safe, effective way to help you relax so your experience is easier from start to finish. You’ll stay calm and comfortable, and our professional staff can better control any potential side effects.
Regularity Matters Most
No matter what shape your teeth are in, the most important thing is simply to come in. Regular exams and cleanings help catch small issues before they turn into big ones and keep your mouth feeling its best. Nevertheless, people lead busy lives, and appointments are missed. The sooner you inform us of a conflict or an illness that prevents you from keeping an appointment, the more likely that we can reschedule your visit within a helpful timeframe.
Choosing the best dentist in Folsom for your needs includes finding a team you feel comfortable talking to. Read our guide to choosing a dentist for questions you can ask before your first visit. Call or contact our office today to schedule your next appointment. Our Folsom dental team will take great care of you and your smile!
