Chapters:

1. Why Is Proper Preparation Key to a Stress-Free Dental Visit?

 1:30 - 2:48

Feeling anxious about your dental visit? Dr Clifford Yudelman explains that preparation is key to feeling in control. Knowing what to expect—whether it’s a check-up, X-rays, or a video consultation—can ease your nerves. This approach ensures no unexpected treatments are done during the first visit, making it a stress-free experience.

2. What Should You Eat or Avoid Before a Dental Procedure?

 2:57 - 5:02

What you eat before your appointment matters. Dr Yudelman recommends a balanced meal with protein and fat, like cheese or toast, to keep your energy stable. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks, especially if sedation is involved. These small steps can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your visit.

3. How Can You Calm Your Nerves Before a Dental Visit?

 6:08 - 7:44

Nervous before your appointment? Simple techniques like box breathing or listening to calming music can help. Dr Yudelman also suggests guided meditations or relaxing each muscle group from head to toe. These strategies can help you feel more at ease, whether you’re in the car or the waiting room.

4. Should You Bring a Support Person to Your Dental Appointment?

 9:50 - 10:37

Bringing a friend or family member can make a big difference, especially if you’re having sedation. Dr Yudelman encourages patients to bring a support person, and some clinics even have a special bench in the treatment room for them. This extra layer of comfort can help ease anxiety and make the experience more manageable.

5. How Does Communication with Your Dentist Reduce Anxiety?

 10:42 - 13:38

Open communication is crucial for a stress-free visit. Dr Yudelman advises patients to share their fears, whether it’s a dislike of needles or general anxiety. Clinics that prioritise patient care often use tools like The Wand for painless anaesthesia and offer sedation options to ensure your comfort.

6. Can Music or Podcasts Help During Dental Treatment?

 13:44 - 15:32

Listening to music or a podcast can make a big difference during longer procedures. Some clinics provide headphones and even let patients choose their preferred music. This small touch helps create a relaxing environment, making it easier to feel at ease during your visit.

7. What Should You Know About Transport After Sedation?

 15:41 - 17:21

If you’re having sedation, arranging transport is essential. Dr Yudelman explains that intravenous sedation requires a driver, while oral sedation may not. Your dental team will guide you on what to expect, ensuring you’re prepared for a smooth recovery.

8. Should You Take a Day Off After a Dental Procedure?

 17:27 - 18:19

For longer or more complex procedures, Dr Yudelman recommends taking a day off to recover. Even if you feel fine, sedation can leave you groggy, so it’s best to rest. This ensures you’re fully ready to get back to your routine.

9. What’s the Best Way to Overcome Dental Anxiety?

 18:25 - 20:21

The key to overcoming dental anxiety is communication. Dr Yudelman emphasises the importance of sharing your concerns with your dentist. Clinics that take the time to understand your fears and create a personalised plan can make your visit much more comfortable.

10. Why Tune In to This Podcast for Dental Insights?

 20:21 - 21:31

This podcast is your go-to resource for practical advice on dental care, straight from the experts. Whether you’re looking to brighten your smile or ease your anxiety, these insights can help you feel more confident about your next visit. Tune in weekly for more tips and discussions on maintaining your dental health.

Full transcript:

OPTISMILE Podcast 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,