At The Gap Dental Practice, we understand that some people experience anxiety before they visit us. However, there’s no need to be alarmed. In this post, we tell you exactly how you can prepare for your visit, as well as what you can expect when you arrive.
Communicate with Us
One way to ease any possible anxieties you may have is to call us on 0733001277. Please don’t be afraid to tell us about your fears, as informing us will allow us to find a solution to help you relax during your visit.
As well as easing any potential worries, it’s also important that you tell us any information we may need to know. This is particularly the case if you’re a new patient, or if you’re a returning patient but have noticed a significant change in your oral health since your last visit.
There’s also a chance we may need to make adjustments for your visit. Calling us will assure your appointment doesn’t have to be rescheduled to accommodate this. By speaking to us in advance, we can make your visit run as smoothly as possible.
If you’re visiting us for a procedure rather than a check-up and you’re unsure of what’s involved, then please call us to clarify any important information, such as how long your appointment is likely to last, whether you’ll need someone to accompany you, or what post-operative guidelines you may need to follow.
If you’re unsure of your appointment time, then please call us to confirm it.
Attempt to Control Your Anxieties
Dental phobia and dental anxiety are both incredibly common, regardless of whether it’s a child on their first visit or an adult who attends regularly. If you suffer, then you’re certainly not alone.
It’s important to know that technological advances have made dental surgeries safe, friendly and welcoming. When you visit us at The Gap Dental Practice, we make every effort to provide a modern, clean and stylish surgery, as well as a comfortable atmosphere with friendly and helpful professionals.
We hope that your anxiety does not prevent you from making an appointment. If you find this a worry, please speak to us about your anxiety and we can talk you through the process, allaying your fears.
Don’t Change the Way You Brush
Prior to your appointment, you may be tempted to change the way you clean your teeth, potentially cleaning them more than usual or giving them an extra-vigorous scrub.
However, although you may fear that your dentist will bemoan any poor oral health, it’s unnecessary to change the way you brush your teeth. Dentists are trained to notice when this has occurred, and there’s also a chance you can damage your teeth and gums during this process.
Prepare Your Information
If you’re a new patient, we’ll also need you (or your old practice) to provide us with your medical history, as well as information about what form of payment you intend to use for your treatment. Preparing this information in advance means that filling in any paperwork will be as simple as possible and won’t cause any unnecessary delays.
If you’re visiting us and seeing your regular dentist, then you may want to make a list of any changes to your health, medication or insurance. If you suffer from anxiety, it can be difficult to remember what you wanted to say, so writing a note can be helpful for when you arrive.
Arrive for Your Appointment Early
You should arrive at the practice in good time. This will provide you with the opportunity to meet the staff, complete any necessary paperwork (particularly if you’re a new patient), and give you time to relax before your appointment.
Speaking to your Dentist
Once you’re called through to see your dentist, you will have an opportunity to discuss any issues or changes. Bring a list of questions to ask your dentist, as discussing these problems, no matter how small they may be, can help your dentist inform you of preventative measures you can take. This may help ensure you do not need to make an emergency appointment in the future.
Before You Leave
As well as paying for your treatment and signing any relevant paperwork, you should schedule your next appointment for cleaning or a check-up.
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful for preparing for your visit. If you’d like to book an appointment or discuss any phobias or requirements you may have, please call us on 73300 1277 to speak to a member of our friendly, helpful team.