Are you nervous about going to the dentist? Has it been a while and perhaps you're concerned about how it might feel or what we might find? At Lorne Park Dental Associates in Mississauga, we're proud of our caring reputation and our understanding ways. Read on for ways to make each dental visit a happy one.
Strategies to help you:
- Plan a 'meet and greet' appointment: Come in just to say hello and have a look at our lovely office. You'll see lots of friendly, caring faces.
- Let us know how you are feeling: If you are tense or anxious, just telling someone can make you feel better. Get it off your chest by sharing how you feel with our receptionist when you schedule your appointment, or to any of our team when you're in the office.
- Be specific: Changing little things can go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable and relaxed when you are with us. Please let us know if the amount of light, the temperature, a particular sound, smell or another sensation is bothersome to you. We have sanitized sunglasses, blankets, pillows, ceiling-mounted T.V.'s with headphones and temperature control units in every treatment room.
- Share any bad experiences you may have had in the past: If we are aware, we can adjust our methods and suggest coping strategies.
- If you experience dental anxiety due to a concern regarding germs, be assured that we follow a strict Routine Precautions infection control protocol.
- Schedule your appointment at the best time of day for you: Are you a morning person or would you prefer an appointment later in the day? Please let us know.
- Consider the appointment length that would suit you best: Would you prefer to have a longer appointment or would multiple shorter appointments be better for you?
- Arrive for your appointment only a few minutes ahead of time. Sitting in the reception area may cause increased anxiety.
- Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment.
- Try not to delay your dental visit: As time passes, it may become harder for you to book your appointment and any dental problems may worsen.
- Know that you are not alone: Please don't think that you are the 'only one'. Although dental anxiety is less common now than in the past, there are others who feel the same way that you do.
- Be sure to eat and take any prescribed medications before your appointment.
- Cannabis use can impact the outcome of a dental procedure. If you plan to use cannabis to control dental anxiety, speak to our dentists about alternatives.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions: We are careful to explain procedures as we go. Knowing what is going to happen can help alleviate any fears of the unknown.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Loose, casual clothing is best, especially around the neck.
- Agree on a signal: Raising your hand if you need to take a break is a good one. A thumbs up to indicate that you would like us to carry on is great too.
- Don't be embarrassed about your pain tolerance: We have a variety of numbing gels and anaesthetics available. Let's work together and choose the right combination and amount for you.
- Don't forget to breathe: Deep breathing brings oxygen into your body, helping to slow your heart rate and relax your muscles. Count your breaths. Inhale slowly and then exhale for the same number of counts. Do this five times while you're waiting for your appointment, or during breaks while you're sitting in the dental chair.
- Distract yourself: Occupy your hands by squeezing a stress ball or by watching our T.V., listening to your favourite music or an audio book.
- Visualize yourself relaxing: Picture yourself on a beach, in a garden, at the cottage or wherever you are most relaxed.
- Concentrate on relaxing your muscles, one body part at a time. Start with your head and work your way down to your toes.
- Enjoy your surroundings: For those who experience claustrophobia, Lorne Park Dental is in a stand-alone building. This allows us to have large windows in every room. The office is freshly renovated. The colours are warm, the chairs are comfortable and there are lovely works of art to enjoy too.
