Do you have an upcoming appointment with a dentist for a dental bridge? If so, you are likely feeling nervous. Many people feel anxious about dental work. Experts estimate that roughly 60% of individuals experience anxiety when it comes to dental visits. An additional 5-10% of people suffer from dental phobia. Preparing yourself for your upcoming dental appointment can help put your mind at ease.

What Is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative approach that aims to replace missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause issues for many individuals. For instance, if you have missing teeth, it can weaken the jaw bone and cause other teeth to eventually fall out as well. Missing teeth can also make it difficult for you to eat certain foods. You may also experience speech issues and low self-esteem. With a bridge, you can restore normal function that allows you to eat and talk, and you will even gain the confidence to smile again.

Request a Consultation

The best way to prepare for your upcoming procedure is to request an initial consultation. Typically, a dentist will provide you with a consultation to explain the procedure. Use the consultation to your advantage to address your anxieties. Dentists understand that people are often uncomfortable at the thought of dental procedures. Even standard cleanings can cause anxiety.

Remember that dentists are familiar with those feelings and will work diligently to ease your mind. If you are not open and honest about your feelings, the dentist will not be able to help you. Use your consultation to express your thoughts and concerns. Make sure you also ask plenty of questions. Do not worry that the dentist will be annoyed by your queries. Instead, dentists welcome the opportunity to make their patients feel more comfortable.

Before Your Procedure

Although it is not always necessary to have someone drive you home, the anesthesia used during the procedure reacts differently with everyone. You might consider asking a friend or family member to take you to your appointment and drive you home. Arrange to have someone available, if for nothing else than moral support. Sometimes it can help ease your anxiety just having someone there with you.

Make sure you also schedule time off from work the day of the procedure. You should be okay to return the next day. However, you should base your return on how comfortable you feel. Some people experience minor discomfort the day after the procedure. Scheduling at least the day of your procedure and possibly the next day off work is the best route to take before you go in for your dental bridge placement.

Finally, ask the doctor what pain medications and other items — such as an icepack — you can use to manage your discomfort. Head to the store before the day of your procedure and pick up the items you need to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

After Your Procedure

Make sure you prepare yourself for what happens after the procedure as well. Your dentist will provide you with a list of instructions. Make sure you follow them to the letter to avoid any issues or discomfort. You will be told how to properly care for and maintain your bridge so that it will last you a long time.

If you have any other questions about your procedure, contact your dentist. If you do not yet have an appointment for a dental bridge, contact a dentist near you. A dental bridge can greatly improve your smile and make you feel far more confident in yourself.

For more information on dental bridge treatment, contact a clinic like Town Center Family Dental.