So the treatment began.
My next appointment was the following week to get an additional root canal and the following week that too. Not only did my newly inserted tooth now be even more painful than before, so there was a lot of work to be done in my filling (and an additional root canal). Cutting a long story then I chose to have a crown instead of a possible filling, or not, took too long.
Now, I was helping myself to their filtered coffee and newspaper when I arrived.
So today, as I was again sitting in the dental chair, I was ready. I made sure I was comfortable enough, focused again in the present moment, before I arrived.
What can I do? I meditated before my appointment, and then I meditated on my appointment!
As the piercing rumble resounded on my head and my face was splashed with water, I just drifted to another place - somewhere quiet. The dentist and assistant kept asking me if I was OK - I would slowly nod my head and come out again, drifting and closing the door on the sounds and movements of my physical body.
It was over!
The next time you visit your dentist, it really pays to separate during your procedure (if possible, even before you get there) - especially if you are as nervous about any dental procedure as I am.
7 Steps to Help You Zone out
1. 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 breathing.
2. Be in the present tense. That's when you think of nothing in 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 in a dental chair, staring at the ceiling consciously and concentrating on the rhythm of your breathing.
3. When the process begins, close your eyes and put your mind inside. Focus directly on the front - wherever you see the front with your eyes closed - and think nothing - empty - empty space - staring at the colors and patterns you can see as you sit in a chair with your eyes closed.
4. When you are about to receive an injection - as the needle enters, inhale in that area and continue to fully concentrate on your breathing slowly until the injection is complete.
5. When that is over, start re-staring at the space inside your eyelids!
6. If you find it difficult to think of nothing, focus on the visual image that makes you feel really good about yourself and look around and see where you are.
7. Whenever you feel that you are starting again to focus on piercing or anything else that is happening in your mouth, take a deep breath and concentrate on your breathing rhythm and allow every single muscle you notice, to breathe and relax.
Meditation is an excellent tool for ‘helping yourself’ and if used while visiting your dentist - it makes sense when it is unpleasant, at least tolerable!
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