How to Zone Out in the Dental Chair

So the treatment began. My next appointment was to get an additional route canal next week and that too next week. Not only was my newly inserted tooth more painful than before but I had a lot of work to do in my filling (and an extra root canal). Cutting a long story, I chose to have a crown instead of a possible fill, or not, it took a long time. Now I was helping them deliver their filtered coffee and newspaper. So today, when I was sitting in the dental chair again, I was ready. I made sure I was quite comfortable, refocusing on the present moment before I arrived. What can I do? I thought before my meeting and then I considered my meeting! As soon as the thunder pierced my head and splashed water on my face, I just went somewhere else - somewhere quiet. The dentist and assistant kept asking me if I was OK - I would slowly shake my head and come out again, closing the door on the sounds and movements of my body. It was over! The next time you visit your dentist, it really pays to separate during your procedure (even if possible before you get there) - especially if you have a dentist Be as nervous about the procedure as I am. Some steps to help you get rid of

#. Get a meditation session before you arrive on time. If you are not sure how to meditate, do slow, deep breathing exercises. I usually take about 4 to 5 deep breaths, focusing on the outside.

#. Stay in the current era. When you don't think about the future - even 3 minutes into the future! And you don't think about the past - even 3 minutes ago. The present moment is when you are sitting on a dental chair, consciously staring at the ceiling and concentrating on the rhythm of your breath.

#. When the process begins, close your eyes and keep your mind inside. Focus directly on the front - wherever you look with your eyes closed - and don't think anything - empty - empty space - staring at the colors and patterns you can see sitting in a chair with your eyes closed.

#. When you are about to take the injection - as soon as the needle is inserted, breathe in this area and continue to focus on your breath slowly till the injection is completed.

#. When it's over, start looking at the space inside your eyelids again!

#. If you find it difficult to think of something, focus on the visual image that makes you feel really good about yourself and look around you and see where you are.

#. Whenever you feel like you are starting to pierce your mouth or start focusing on something else, take a deep breath and pay attention to the rhythm of your breathing and each muscle that You see, let it breathe and relax.

Meditation is a great tool for 'helping yourself' and if used while visiting your dentist - it only makes sense when it is unpleasant, at least tolerable!