Checklist for Your Next Dental Visit

Here’s a few suggestions on what to organize prior to your dental visit.

• Bringing your own headphones and phone/iPod to listen to your favourite podcast, music or relaxation meditation can be useful in distracting yourself from your dental appointment.
• Make sure you have had something to eat before your appointment. An empty rumbly tummy during a dental appointment will only increase any anxiety.
• Wear comfortable clothes for your appointment. The dental chair is not the fashion runway. There is no need to wear stilettos and suits when you visit us. Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. Being physically comfortable is so important in reducing anxiety.
• Fidget spinner or something small to keep your hands busy. Some people need to keep their hands busy during an appointment so feel free to have something in your hands to fiddle with. We have squishy stress balls here at the practice, but some people prefer to play with a set of keys or a soft toy from home.
• Medication list or photos of your packets or tubes of medications, vitamins, and supplements so that we have an accurate medical history.
• Your private health fund card (if you have one) and wallet is important for your dental visit
• Sunglasses if you prefer your own eye protection
• Chapstick or Pawpaw ointment if you have dry or cracked lips. We can apply Vaseline to your lips during your appointment, but many people prefer their own lip balm.
• List of questions you have about your treatment, so you don’t forget or chicken out of asking them.
• Bring along a support person if you are very nervous. Knowing that you have someone in the waiting room can be a great comfort to some people. Our patient lounge is comfortable, and we have free guest Wi-Fi to pass the time.
• Bring your phone or diary to help you make any future appointments for the next dental visit
• Someone to mind the children, for long appointments. Although we love children, it is difficult for some of them to wait for long periods while their parents are having treatment.
• Have your next meal planned, ready for your return home. This is particularly handy if you are having a tooth removed or several fillings in one appointment. Organize something that is soft and easy to eat that won’t burn you if you have been numbed. Sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, and warm soups are all easy options.