The Toothache That Changed My Life

Being uncomfortable or experiencing discomfort at the dentist's office is a common problem. However, it doesn't have to stay that way. You can be comfortable at your dentist's office if you know what to do and what to ask for. Here are three things you can do to improve your comfort level at your next dentist visit.

Take a Break

It's a good idea to take short breaks to stretch, roll your neck, and relax. Even pausing to rest your jaw for a moment can help to significantly boost your comfort level. Most dentists are amicable to requests about taking breaks, but you might want to contact them in advance and let them know what you need. This is so they can book you into a longer slot with more time for you to do what you need to stay comfortable.

Use Pain Reliever

Taking a pain reliever before you head to the dentist's chair is a good idea. A simple pain reliever like ibuprofen or aspirin can help to loosen up the muscles in the neck and back and prevent them from stiffening while you're being worked on. You want to make sure to take it before you settle down so that the drug can digest and get into your bloodstream. Taking it after the fact can be useful too, but if you want to avoid as much discomfort as possible, take it beforehand.

Opt for Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a great way of getting the help that you need with fewer interruptions to dental procedures. It's a good option if you need considerable dental work done that could take some time and would make it difficult to move around and take breaks.

Sedation dentistry is designed to put you in a relaxed, comfortable state while still remaining conscious. It's not the same thing as general anesthesia. It's especially helpful for people who have anxiety or pain issues when going to the dentist's office.

Once your dental procedure is over, the sedation will gradually wear off and you'll be able to go home. Keep in mind that you may need someone to drive you home afterward.

Sedation dentistry and these other tips can help you to have a much easier time of it when you need to go to the dentist, regardless of whether it's for a simple cleaning or an advanced procedure. If you're tired of feeling stiff, sore, and uncomfortable at the dentist's office, give them a call and explain the problem you're having and the steps you want to take to deal with it.

For more information, companies like Cherry Hill Dentistry LLC can help.