Nervous About the Dentist? Practical Ways to Make a Visit Easier

An appointment that is still days away can take up a lot of room in your head. If that is where you are, the practical question is what you can do about it — before the day, and while you are in the chair. If you want the broader picture first, a companion article covers dental anxiety and dentophobia.

Say it out loud, starting with the booking

It can help to tell your dentist about your anxiety, as early as the booking itself: when you book the appointment, consider telling the receptionist you are nervous about dental visits. And don't be afraid to ask questions (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).

Agree on a signal before you start

Consider agreeing on a signal with your dentist, such as raising your hand, if you need to take a break during an exam. It also helps to tell your dentist if you experience pain even with a local anesthetic (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).

Take something with you

Distraction is on the list too: you might wear headphones, or occupy your hands by squeezing a stress ball. Breathing exercises can help as well (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).

If you have been putting it off

The more you delay — or just don't go — to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future visits more difficult (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).

If it has been years rather than months since your last appointment, there is a separate article on going back to the dentist after years away.

Making the appointment

We're Dental Associates of Lodi, in Lodi, NJ, and Dr. Steven Liao is our dentist. When you are ready to arrange a visit, our first-visit page is the place to start.

Sources

• American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). "Anxiety." https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/anxiety