Episode 53: How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Dental Visit

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (0:05 – 0:43)
Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the go-to podcast where curiosity meets dentistry, straight from the experts. I’m Eon, and every week, I chat to Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile, as we take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective. If you’re looking to brighten your smile or simply protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights.

So, stick around and stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to maintaining both your dental health and your finances. Dr Clifford Yudelman, a big welcome back to you.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (0:46 – 1:16)
Thanks, Eon, thanks for having me back. I hope you had a great week, and it’s great to chat with you again. I’m looking forward to rounding up Episode 53 on stress-free dental visits today. We spoke about oral sedation and conscious sedation last time, and before that, we discussed why people are afraid of the dentist. So, today’s topic is a general one on how to prepare for a stress-free dental visit.

I’m ready when you are.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (1:19 – 1:30)
Dr Yudelman, why is proper preparation so important before coming in for a dental appointment, especially for anxious patients?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (1:30 – 2:48)
If you’re prepared, it helps you walk in feeling more in control, knowing ahead of time what the dentist is going to do at that visit. For instance, if you’re going in for a check-up and X-rays, you’ll know that the dentist isn’t going to suddenly decide to do a filling on you at the first visit that you’re not prepared for.

At OptiSmile, we never do any treatment on the first visit unless it’s an actual emergency, and we know ahead of time that’s what the patient is coming in for. But, in general, we always do an exam and X-rays, and no actual procedures during that first visit.

For people who are really nervous, we can even do a video consultation ahead of time to prepare them. Being prepared also means that if you’ve already had your exam and you’re coming back for actual treatment, you’ll know what the dentist is going to do, how they’re going to do it, and you can ask questions ahead of time. That way, you can mentally relax and have a plan in place. If you’re having sedation, you’ll know what to do ahead of time, like fasting or other instructions.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (2:48 – 2:57)
Okay, and in terms of food and drink, what’s best to consume or avoid before a procedure involving sedation or local anaesthesia?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (2:57 – 5:02)
I always recommend that, sedation aside, you should have a good meal before your appointment, but not right before. If you’re having local anaesthetic, you won’t be able to eat for a little while afterwards, especially if it’s on the lower jaw, where numbness can last for two to three hours. For sedation, the dentist will advise you on fasting requirements, but it’s not as strict as for general anaesthesia.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine before your appointment, as they can increase anxiety and heart rate. If you’re taking a sedative like Xanax ahead of time, don’t wash it down with an espresso, as it will counteract the sedative effect.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (5:02 – 5:20)
Yes, absolutely. It’s terrible when your blood sugar crashes from all that stress, and you get sweaty and dizzy. It’s definitely important to eat something beforehand, but not immediately before, as you said.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (5:20 – 6:01)
Exactly. I recommend something with protein and fat, like a piece of cheese or toast with cheese. Avoid high-carb, high-sugar snacks like energy bars or muffins. You want something that will keep your blood sugar stable, not send it on a roller coaster.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (6:01 – 6:08)
Let’s talk about mental readiness. How can someone calm their nerves on the drive or right before they step into the clinic?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (6:08 – 7:44)
Simple breathing exercises can be done anywhere. There’s something called box breathing, where you inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold again for four counts. Alternatively, you can do a deep inhale through your nose for five seconds and exhale through your nose for five seconds.

Listening to calming music or a funny podcast can also help distract the mind in a positive way. In the waiting room, you can do a quick body scan, relaxing each muscle group from head to toe. Guided meditations on apps can also help, with many offering short, five-minute calming sessions.

We try not to keep people waiting too long because even if you’re not nervous, waiting can build up adrenaline, which can mix with fear and make things worse.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (7:44 – 7:53)
That’s awesome. Sitting in the waiting room, listening to all the noises, can really amp up the nerves.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (7:53 – 9:30)
Absolutely. We’re lucky that our waiting room is soundproofed, and we keep the doors closed. We also use quiet electric motors for our drills, so there’s no high-pitched noise. It’s all about creating a calm environment.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (9:30 – 9:50)
Sometimes, having a friend or relative along can help. Do you encourage patients to bring a support person?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (9:50 – 10:37)
Definitely. Especially if sedation is involved, you’ll need someone to drive you home. We even have a special bench in the room for a friend or family member to sit and hold your hand. It’s great for moral support and practical reasons.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (10:37 – 10:42)
What about communication with the dental team beforehand? Should patients share their fears or concerns in detail?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (10:42 – 13:38)
Absolutely. The more we know, the better we can accommodate you. If you hate needles, for example, we use topical gel and a machine called The Wand to administer local anaesthetic slowly. We also offer sedation options.

We have a new patient form that asks, “How scared are you?” on a scale of 1 to 7. This helps us tailor your experience. Some patients even require sedation just for their exam, and we organise that ahead of time.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (13:38 – 13:44)
What about music or podcasts during treatment? Do they help reduce stress?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (13:44 – 15:32)
Yes, for longer procedures, we provide headphones so patients can listen to music or podcasts. We even have individual speakers in each room connected to YouTube Music, and we ask patients what they’d like to listen to. It’s amazing how much this helps people relax.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (15:32 – 15:41)
If sedation is part of the plan, what should a patient expect in terms of transport?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (15:41 – 17:21)
If you’re having intravenous sedation, you’ll definitely need a driver, as it can leave you groggy. For oral sedation, we recommend against driving, though some patients do. It’s always best to check with your dentist.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (17:21 – 17:27)
For longer or more complex procedures, do you recommend taking a day off work or school to recover?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (17:27 – 18:19)
Yes, why not? You deserve it. Even if you feel physically fine, sedation can leave you feeling groggy, so it’s best to take it easy.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (18:19 – 18:25)
Finally, for anyone feeling overwhelmed, what’s the single best piece of advice for a smooth, stress-free dental visit?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (18:25 – 20:21)
Communication is key. Be open with your dentist about your fears. If you’re nervous, tell the receptionist when you book. A good dental practice will care about your concerns and tailor your experience to make you feel comfortable. Most fears are based on the unknown, so the more we know, the better we can help you.

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (20:21 – 20:48)
That’s it for another episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (20:48 – 20:53)
Thank you, Eon. Looking forward to next week’s episode!

[Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA] (20:53 – 21:31)
To our listeners, thanks for joining us. Remember, while we strive to provide valuable insights, always consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your personal health. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more enlightening discussions. Until next time, keep smiling and taking great care of your teeth!