“A good, trusted dentist who puts you at ease will never go out of fashion,” says Alexandre DaSilva, DDS, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Dental School. “But technology can also help you relax, decrease anxiety, and decrease pain.”
Pain-free injections. If you fear needles, an anesthetic gel, spray, or rinse can numb the area before you get a shot. (These anesthetics can also relieve a generally oversensitive mouth.) Studies show that it is the speed of injections, not the needle, that can cause discomfort.
Spa-like experience. Some dentists try to take you to another place. Many practices offer headphones and tv so you can sit back, relax, and watch movies, or listen to music while the dentist works.
Total relaxation. Many dentists offer nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas.” You inhale the gas through your nose during the entire procedure. You’re back to normal shortly afterward and can drive yourself home.
For something stronger, dentists might prescribe a sedative medicine that you take the night before your appointment, then again an hour or so beforehand.
“Patients sleep well the night before and come into the appointment in a more relaxed state,” says Bob Range, DDS, an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
More Control in Your Hands
Some dentists let you hold a button that can stop whatever machine the dentist is using. If your dentist doesn’t offer this, they will often let you know that you can gently raise your hand if you need them to stop. Most Dentists will stop frequently and check in with you as well.