Do you often feel nervous or afraid of the thought of receiving dental care of any kind? If so, the prospect of having oral surgery done likely makes you feel particularly anxious. You might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to put your dental fears to rest so that they don’t get in the way of an important procedure. Fortunately, there are often quite a few steps you can take. Here are 4 tricks for soothing your anxiety before your oral surgery.
1. Talk to Your Oral Surgeon
One of the simplest steps you can take is to simply be honest about your fears. Oral surgeons work with nervous patients all the time, and they know a few ways to help them feel as comfortable as possible during their procedures. In many cases, they may recommend a form of sedation dentistry to put you in an advanced state of relaxation; you’ll be unbothered by anything that happens during your treatment, and in some cases, you might not even remember what happened during the procedure.
2. Ask Someone to Come with You
Oftentimes, a stressful experience can be less frightening when there’s someone there to support you. You may ask a friend or family member to come with you to your appointment; having someone familiar close by can go a long way toward helping you relax. (Additionally, if IV sedation or general anesthesia will be used during your procedure, then you will need someone else to drive you home.)
3. Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink Beforehand
If you aren’t told to fast before your procedure, then you need to be careful about what you consume. Certain foods and beverages can influence your emotional state, and you’ll want to stay away from anything that can make dental fears worse. In particular, caffeine should be avoided entirely since it can compound symptoms of anxiety. On the other hand, foods that contain protein – such as lean meat, fish, or nuts – can often help you feel calmer.
4. Focus on Your Breathing While Waiting for Your Procedure to Begin
The time you spend in the waiting room before your oral surgery can be nerve-wracking. Pay attention to your breathing; when you’re nervous, you might hold your breath without realizing it, and the lack of oxygen can make you feel even more anxious. Keep yourself calm by taking long, deep breaths.
Don’t let dental anxiety cause you to miss your oral surgery appointment. Use the tips above to keep your fears under control so that you can get the care you need to protect and improve the health of your smile.
About the Practice
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our experienced oral surgeons aim to provide the highest level of care possible no matter what kind of procedure is needed. We offer different types of sedation for helping our patients stay comfortable and relaxed. To schedule a consultation with our team at our Jupiter office, visit our website or call us at (561) 743-8311.