5 Ways to Prepare for a Dental Appointment

Dentist appointments don’t have to be stressful. If you prepare properly, you will be able to relax without any feelings of anxiety or stress. Dr. Khalid Sajjad sees patients at Smile Dental Clinic, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He encourages his patients to prepare for their visits using the following tips. His patients must be as comfortable as possible. This ensures each patient gets the highest quality of care possible regarding their dental and oral health.

1. Don’t eat or drink anything for at least an hour before your appointment – Since you will be sitting in the dentist’s chair for a prolonged period with your mouth open, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything for at least an hour before your appointment. This will help prevent you from getting physically ill while the dentist works on your teeth. If you begin to feel ill, tell your dentist so he can stop working and give you a chance to breathe.

2. Wear comfortable clothing – You will want to wear loose clothing to relax and be as comfortable as possible while the dentist works on your teeth. Sweat pants and a sweatshirt are ideal. Wearing tight clothing can be incredibly restrictive and make it difficult for you to sit still. If you are coming to your appointment from work, bring a pair of sweats to change into. It will do wonders for relieving your anxiety and making sure you are comfortable.

3. Don’t make plans for after your appointment – If you are going for your annual exam, you shouldn’t have any problem returning to work or scheduling another activity. Appointments that involve veneers, fillings, crowns, or root canals may result in a little discomfort. If any of these procedures are planned, you may want to clear your calendar for the rest of the day. You may feel tired or need to take an over-the-counter medication to minimize any discomfort you may be feeling.

4. Bring headphones if you don’t want to hear the sounds of the office – Many patients don’t like to listen to the sounds associated with the dentist’s office. It’s sometimes easier to relax and allow the dentist to work if the patient can listen to their music or podcast. It takes their mind off of what the dentist is doing and gives them an opportunity to disconnect from where they are for a little while. It’s important to be mindful in case the dentist tries to get your attention during the procedure.

5. Make sure to have all your questions answered before the dentist starts to work – Before you let the dentist start working, make sure all your questions are answered, especially when it comes to aftercare. Once the appointment is over, you may not feel up to going over the dentist’s instructions. Having all the information before the start of your appointment will allow you to stay calm during the procedure.

Being prepared for your dental appointment is the best way to minimize anxiety. At Smile Dental Clinic, Dr. Khalid Sajjad in Battle Creek, MI, patients are encouraged to arrive early for their appointment so any questions can be answered, and they can begin to relax before they get into the dentist’s chair. New patients need to call (269) 883-1674 to schedule an appointment.

Share this Article