| How to Take a Panning Shot Posted: 11 Apr 2021 05:00 PM PDT A great panning shot, with the moving object in clear focus and the background blurred just right, convinces you that a still photograph is in motion. Consistently capturing superior panning shots takes time and practice, but it's definitely a skill worth working on for any amateur photographer with a DSLR camera. Your results may be hit-or-miss at first, but your "hit" photographs will be fantastic! [Edit]Camera Settings - Get a good DSLR camera to take true panning shots. A well-crafted panning shot puts the target image in extreme focus while blurring the background to create a sense of motion. The average smartphone camera or basic digital camera struggles to achieve this result. If you really want to capture great panning shots, your best bet is to invest in a high-quality digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera.[1]
- Unfortunately for your wallet, a good DSLR camera can easily cost $500 USD or more.
- Set your camera to shutter priority mode for maximum shutter control. Shutter speed and responsiveness are critical to getting a good panning shot, since you need the right shutter speed to "freeze" your object in motion. Shutter priority mode gives you maximum shutter control, so turn the dial on your DSLR camera to the appropriate symbol; check your camera's product manual for guidance.[2]
- For example, on Canon DSLR cameras, the shutter priority symbol is "Tv," while it's "S" on Nikon DSLRs.
- Using shutter priority mode will probably result in automated settings for aperture and ISO values. Aperture controls the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, with a lower number denoting more light and a higher number equating to more light. Increasing the ISO setting can also aid in brightness, but a higher ISO value results in more graininess (or "noise") in your captured image. Both aperture and ISO are less essential than shutter speed when taking panning shots, but you can refer to your camera guide if you want options for fine-tuning these settings as well.
- Start at a slower shutter speed and adjust it faster based on your results. Finding the right shutter speed is definitely a trial-and-error process. Start at a slower speed, in the 1/4 - 1/15 second range, and see how your first few photos turn out.[3] Increase the shutter speed as needed, with faster shutter speeds being required for faster moving objects.[4] Use the following as a general reference:
- Walking at a normal pace: 1/2 - 1/4 sec.
- Runner or average cyclist: 1/4 - 1/15 sec.
- Fast cyclist or car in street traffic: 1/15 - 1/30 sec.
- Racing car: 1/60 - 1/125 sec.[5]
- Turn off any image stabilization setting unless it has advanced features. While image stabilization is a great feature when you're holding the camera still, it will typically try to "correct" the camera movement that's essential to panning shots. Use image stabilization only if your camera has an advanced type that recognizes and doesn't interfere with panning shots.[6]
- Use your product manual to learn about your camera's image stabilization feature and how to turn it off.
- Use autofocus for simplicity when you're new to taking panning shots. Many action photography pros prefer manual focus for panning shots, but autofocus is the easier option when you're less experienced. Using your camera's autofocus setting requires less active effort on your part, since the camera continuously refocuses on the target object. That said, autofocus usually adjusts more slowly than is possible with manual focus, so you're sacrificing greater control for greater ease of use.[7]
- Advance to manual focus, if desired, once your skills improve. There's no rule that says you have to switch from autofocus to manual focus as you get more experience taking panning shots, but it's probably worth a try. As opposed to autofocus, manual focus requires you to estimate and pre-sight the focal point for the object, which can be a definite challenge for a novice. If you get it right, though, manual focus is more responsive and—at least in skilled hands—more likely to capture a clear image.[8]
- Utilize burst/continuous mode to improve your chances of a great shot. Without burst mode, also called continuous mode, you'll get one chance to capture a great photo each time your target passes by. With burst mode, which takes numerous photos in rapid succession, you'll often get 10 or more chances for a perfect pic each time you press the shutter button.[9]
- Most modern DSLR cameras have burst mode. Check your product guide for details.
- The only real downside to burst mode? You'll end up with a lot of out-of-focus shots to delete!
- Switch lenses, if needed, based on your positioning and photo preferences. Follow the specific instructions for your camera, but expect something similar to the following: hold down the lens release button throughout the entire process; turn the current lens clockwise to remove it; line up the dots on the camera and the new lens; turn the new lens counterclockwise until it clicks into place.[10]
- Which lens you choose depends on factors like your expected distance from the target object and how wide or narrow you want to focus in. You might, for example, switch to a wide-angle (24-35 mm) lens to capture a passing bicycle as a small image amidst a large background. Or, you might use a telephoto (70-135+ mm) lens to zoom in almost exclusively on the passing bicycle.
- Your positioning for the shot and your lens selection are a tandem deal. Decide on both at the same time.
[Edit]Positioning - Set up safely at a distance that coordinates with your lens selection. Find a spot with a clear view that doesn't put you in harm's way, so that the object will pass directly in front of you. If you're using a telephoto lens, you might set up away to get a great shot of a running herd of deer, for example, or you might use a wide angle lens and set up away from a passing bicycle to capture the city backdrop as well.[11]
- Always take your safety and the safety of those around you into account. Make sure you're not exposed to vehicle or pedestrian traffic, for instance. Use a second person as a spotter if you're taking pictures in a risky environment, such as at a racetrack.[12]
- Steady your camera by attaching a tripod or monopod to it. Keeping your camera steady and level is important when you're taking panning shots.[13] While pros can often free-hand their panning shots, start out by attaching your camera to a 3-leg tripod or a 1-leg monopod. Most tripods and monopods have a camera plate that screws into the threaded opening at the bottom of your camera; the plate then slides and locks into place on the tripod/monopod.[14]
- Tripods are a bit bulkier, but are probably the best choice if you're a novice. A monopod requires more balance and support on your part.
- Once you're comfortable taking panning shots, practice doing them without a tripod or monopod. Overall, tripods and monopods are particularly helpful when the target (like a car) follows a predictable path. Free-shooting without a tripod/monopod is useful when the target (such as an animal) is moving less predictably.[15]
- Create a solid base from your hips down so you can rotate at the waist. This is important even when you're using a tripod or monopod. Set your legs shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly. Point your toes, knees, and hips straight forward so that they'll be pointed right at your target as it passes by you. Your lower body should remain in this position throughout the panning process—all of your body movement should come from above your hips.[16]
- Some photographers find it easier to point their lower body a bit in the direction from which the moving target will approach, and still others prefer to point slightly in the direction to which the target will exit the panning area. This is really up to your personal preference and comfort level. The important thing is to keep your lower body steady and still.
- Visualize a target zone of about 60 degrees to your left and right. Imagine you're standing in the middle of a clock face. Your lower body, then, is pointed at 12 o'clock. That means your target zone (or panning zone) should range from 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock (or 2 to 10, if the object is approaching from your right). To get a great panning shot, you'll need to track your target object from one end of this zone to the other.[17]
- For example, say you're trying to get a panning shot of your daughter riding her bike from your left to your right. While keeping your lower body pointed at 12 o'clock, you'll need to turn your upper body to start tracking her at 10 o'clock, and continue to turn and track her all the way to 2 o'clock.
- Pre-sight your expected focal point if you're using manual focus. If you're relying on manual focus, estimate the spot where you expect your target to pass by at the 12 o'clock position. Focus your camera on that point, and maintain that focus setting as you track the target object. That way, when the object passes by you, it will (hopefully) be in perfect focus![18]
- If you're using autofocus, don't worry about this step. The camera will adjust its focus "on the fly."
- Like many aspects of taking panning shots, expect to go through some trial-and-error here.
[Edit]Shooting - Aim your camera and upper body at the starting point of your target zone. In other words, if the car you want to photograph is approaching from your right, point your upper body and the camera at the 2 o'clock position. Watch through the viewfinder and wait for the target to enter the frame.[19]
- Remember to keep your lower body still and pointed at 12 o'clock. Doing so will help you swivel the camera through the target zone smoothly.
- Press the button halfway down to autofocus on the approaching target. As the target enters your view, engage the autofocus to train in on it. If you're using manual focus instead of autofocus, keep the shutter button pressed halfway down to maintain the focal point you already established.[20]
- If you're using an unfamiliar camera, practice pressing on the shutter button beforehand so you know how much pressure to apply.
- Center the moving object in your frame as you track it through the target zone. Start rotating your upper body as soon as the target enters your view. Do your best to match its speed and keep it centered in the frame. If you're using autofocus, the camera will keep adjusting as you go. If you're using manual focus, the target should increasingly come into focus as it approaches the 12 o'clock position.[21]
- The faster your target is moving, the harder this is to master. Consider practicing on neighborhood joggers before moving up to competitive sprinters!
- Take the shot right as the target passes by you. Wait until the target is centered in the frame at the 12 o'clock position to press down fully on the shutter button. This is the ideal position to take your panning shot.[22] But don't feel bad if you miss-time your shot the first few times—keep trying and you'll get it![23]
- Your entire body should be aligned with the target at this point.
- Track the moving object with your camera until it exits the target zone. Don't stop twisting your body and tracking the target after taking your shot! Just like with a golf swing, your follow-through is a critical component. Keep turning your upper body and tracking the target until it exits your panning zone—for instance, the 10 o'clock position if it's moving from your right to your left.[24]
- If you're using burst mode, your camera will take several shots as you continue to track the target. But even if you're not using burst mode, following through will greatly improve your odds of getting a great panning shot. Following through helps add to the background blur effect that is key to expressing motion in a panning shot.
- If you capture a great panning shot on your first attempt, give yourself a pat on the back! But don't be surprised or disappointed if your first few efforts don't quite work out.
- Taking good panning shots takes practice! Before trying to get great shots at a racetrack, practice with slower-moving targets in a low-stress environment, like walkers and joggers in your neighborhood.[25]
- The interchangeable lenses on a DSLR camera are defined primarily by their focal length (mm) and aperture (f/). The smaller the focal length number, the wider the shot you can capture; the smaller the aperture number, the less light is required to get a good shot.
[Edit]References |
| How to Cook Chips in an Airfryer Posted: 11 Apr 2021 09:00 AM PDT The air fryer is a quick and healthy way to make many of your favorite snacks. Since it uses air to fry instead of oil, you can enjoy air-fried chips without any of the guilt of regular chips. Even better, there are many different types of chips that you can make. Try regular or sweet potatoes, beets, kale, or even tortilla chips. Whatever type you choose, you can add tons of flavor with your favorite spices and even some tasty dips. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Potato Chips - 2 full-sized potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Any additional seasonings desired
[Edit]Beet Chips - 2-3 beets
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Any additional seasonings desired
[Edit]Kale Chips - of kale leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
[Edit]Tortilla Chips - 1 package medium tortillas
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
[Edit]Potato Chips - Preheat the air fryer to about . Check the manual that came with your air fryer for a list of the recommended temperatures and times. If there is an included recipe for chips, follow those guidelines for the temperature. If not, go ahead and just set it to to preheat. Air fryers vary, but this temperature is pretty standard for chips.[1]
- It usually takes about 10 minutes for an air fryer to heat up.
- Slice 2 potatoes to about using a knife or mandoline. Potatoes and sweet potatoes both make delicious chips in the air fryer. You can choose your favorite or make a mixture. Some good choices include russets and Yukon Golds. Plan to use about 1 potato per person, but feel free to make a little extra for leftover snacks.[2]
- There's no need to peel the potatoes, but if you want to, go ahead and do that before slicing them.
- Scrub your potatoes with water to get any dirt off and then place them on a cutting board.
- You want them to be pretty thin so that they'll get nice and crispy. If you have a mandoline, use that to help you get a thin, uniform cut.
- If you don't have a mandoline, that's totally fine. Just use a sharp chef's nice to thinly slice up your potatoes.
- Don't use baby potatoes to make chips. They're just not big enough to make good chips.
- Toss the potatoes with of oil and 1 tsp (6 g) of salt in a medium bowl. Place your potatoes in a bowl that is big enough for you to have room to shake the potatoes up. Now's your chance to add your favorite flavors! Spritz the chips with a little cooking spray or olive oil spray so that spices will stick to them. If you want to keep it simple, just add a pinch of salt, shake, and you're ready to air fry.[3]
- If you don't have an oil mister, that's totally fine. Just sprinkle about of olive oil over the sliced potatoes.
- Cook the chips for 22-30 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes. Now you're ready to cook! If your air fryer has a basket, place the chips in it. They don't have to be in 1 layer. If you have an air fryer with a tray, place your potatoes on the tray, making sure to only have 1 layer. The total cooking time is 30 minutes for regular potatoes, but you'll need to flip the chips every 5 minutes to make sure they cook evenly.[4]
- Sweet potatoes cook more quickly, so they typically only take about 22 minutes.[5]
- If the chips are on a tray, use tongs to flip them over. If you have a basket, you can just take the basket out and give it a good shake every 5 minutes to rotate the chips. Since chips on baskets and trays cook a little differently, just remember it's fine to have a little overlap in the basket, but best to just make 1 even layer on a tray.
- If you have a small air fryer or are making a lot of chips, you might have to cook in batches. Remember, you never want to overcrowd your air fryer, no matter what you've got cooking. If the chips are completely covering one another, you have too many in the basket or on the tray.
- Take the chips out of the fryer when they're crispy and let them cool. Check on the chips when they're done cooking to see if they look and feel crispy enough for you. If you want them extra crispy, give them a few more minutes to fry. Carefully take them out of the fryer and let them rest for a few minutes on a paper towel. [6]
- The paper towel will soak up any extra oil as the chips cool.
- Season the chips again after cooking for added flavor. Now for the really fun part. You can add any flavors you like, so feel free to get creative. If you want a little spice, try adding some cayenne pepper. For a smoky taste, add a little cumin. Sweet potato chips might even be good with a little cinnamon and sugar.[7]
- Other ideas include garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning.
- You could splash the chips with a little bit of malt vinegar or even balsamic vinegar if you like them a little tangy.
- If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
[Edit]Beet Chips - Set the air fryer to about and let it preheat. The temperature might depend on your air fryer, but is pretty standard. Set your air fryer to that temp and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. Many air fryers will indicate with either a light or a beep when they are ready.[8]
- If your air fryer manual recommends a different temperature for chips, use that temperature instead.
- Cut 2-3 beets to about with a mandoline. You can use golden or purple beets, whichever you prefer. A mixture of the 2 is also great. If your beets are on the smaller side, you probably need 3 of them to make enough for 2 people. Otherwise, 2 will be fine. Plan to use a beet per person. Using your mandoline, slice the beets thinly so that you'll be able to get crispy chips.[9]
- You can use a sharp chef's knife if you don't have a mandoline.
- Toss the beets with of olive oil and 1 tsp (6 g) each of salt and pepper. Place the beets in a medium bowl and spritz them with a little oil, just enough to dampen them a bit. If you have an olive oil mister, that will work perfectly. Otherwise, you can use cooking spray or just add a small splash of any type of oil you like (avocado, peanut, etc.). Add a little salt and pepper and shake the bowl a bit to make sure all of the beets are covered.[10]
- Cook the beet chips for 30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Place beets in the air fryer basket or on the cooking tray. It's okay if they overlap in the basket a little; just make sure they're not overcrowded. If any chips are completely covered by others, you have too many chips cooking at the same time. You'll cook them for about 30 minutes total, but pause the timer every five minutes to either shake the basket or use tongs to flip the beets.[11]
- Frequently rotating the beets will ensure that they cook nice and evenly.
- If you like your beet chips extra crispy, add a couple of additional minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve immediately and save leftovers in an airtight container for 2 days. Take the beets out of the air fryer and place them in a bowl or on a plate. You can either eat them right away or let them cool for a few minutes. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.[12]
- Beet chips are yummy on their own, but you could also serve them with your favorite dip to boost the flavor even more. A dill dip or hummus would be delicious with beet chips.
[Edit]Kale Chips - Turn on the air fryer and preheat it to . Air fryers take a few minutes to get hot, so give make sure you allow time for it to get up to the correct temperature. Go ahead and set it to while you get the kale ready. [13]
- Wash and tear of kale leaves into small pieces. This will make enough kale chips for 2 servings. If you would like to make extra, simply add some more kale. After you've washed the kale, tear it into bite-sized pieces. [14]
- Massage of olive oil into the kale leaves to make them tender. Kale can be a little bitter and rough if you don't massage the leaves a bit before cooking. Add a small splash of olive oil onto the leaves and use your hands to rub it gently into the kale. This just takes a few seconds but will definitely help you make the most delicious kale chips.[15]
- Season the kale with 1 tsp (6 g) each of salt and pepper. After the oil is rubbed in, sprinkle the kale with your favorite seasonings. Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or jazz it up a bit with an Everything Bagel seasoning.[16]
- You can add any other flavors you like, too. Red pepper flakes will give the kale a nice kick, for example. Just season according to your own taste preferences.
- Cook the kale leaves in batches at for 6 minutes. The kale will shrink quite a bit, but takes up a lot of room in the air fryer. Place about 1/3 of the kale into the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Shake the basket every 2 minutes to make sure the chips cook evenly. If you can't shake the kale leaves, you have too many in the basket. Take some out to give the chips more room to cook evenly.[17]
- If your air fryer has a tray, that's fine. Just spread the kale chips in 1 even layer to cook.
- Repeat this process until you've cooked all of the kale.
- Remove chips when they are crispy and serve immediately. Once the chips are cooked the way you like them, take them out of the air fryer and place them in a bowl or on a plate. They taste best when hot, so sprinkle with a little more salt to add extra flavor and serve them up. You can season them according to your taste.[18]
- If you do happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
[Edit]Tortilla Chips - Turn the air fryer to and let it preheat. Most air fryers will make delicious tortilla chips when you set the temp to around . If your manual offers different guidelines, you should use those instead. Allow your air fryer to preheat for about 10 minutes so that it's nice and toasty when you're ready to fry up the tortillas.[19]
- Cut 6 tortillas into triangles. The medium-sized tortillas work really well for chips, so grab a package of those (they will typically say medium or soft taco size on the package). 6 tortillas will make enough chips for 2-3 people; if you're cooking for a crowd you can add extra. Stack the tortillas on top of each other and cut them into quarters. That easily turns them into triangles.[20]
- A pizza cutter is the perfect tool to use for cutting the tortillas. If you don't have one, a knife will work fine, too.
- You can use any type of tortillas you like. Corn, flour, and whole wheat are all great options.
- Spray or brush the tortillas with of oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp (6 g) of salt. You can use any type of oil that you like. Olive, canola, and avocado oil are all great choices. Spritz the tortillas or use a pastry brush to lightly cover them with oil. Sprinkle on a little salt and you're ready to cook.[21]
- You can add any other seasonings that you like, too. Garlic salt and cumin are good options. Sprinkle on as much as you like!
- Cook the chips in the basket for 4-6 minutes or until crispy. Put the tortillas in the basket or on the tray of the air fryer. It's fine if they overlap, just make sure not to completely cover any of them with other chips. Start the air fryer and then check the chips after 4 minutes. If you'd like them a little crispier, go ahead and flip them over and cook for a couple more minutes.[22]
- Serve with your favorite salsa or dip. Remove the chips from the air fryer and place them in a bowl. You can eat them plain, but they taste awesome when you pair them with a dip. Some tasty choices are:[23]
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Hummus
- Bean dip
- You can save leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days.
- Every air fryer is different, so it might take a couple of tries to figure out how long you like to cook your chips.
- Flavor options for chips are endless, so play around with spices and herbs until you find your favorite.
[Edit]Things You'll Need Air fryer [Edit]References |
| How to Calm Your Nerves at the Dentist Posted: 11 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT We know that visiting the dentist can be a little nerve-wracking, even if you're just going in for a regular check-up. Your dentist will do everything they can to help you relax, but it's completely normal to still feel a little anxious about it. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to help control your anxiety whenever you're at your dentist's office. We'll go over tips about arriving at your appointment and move on to some suggestions on how to relieve your nervousness during your procedure. [Edit]Schedule morning appointments. - Visit your dentist early so you don't worry about it all day. Rather than making your appointment later in the afternoon, see if there are any openings right away in the morning. Choose the earliest time as possible so you're able to get your appointment out of the way and can focus on the rest of the day.[1]
- If you normally have to work in the morning, see if your dentist's office schedules appointments on weekends.
[Edit]Get to your appointment right on time. - Sitting in the waiting room might make you more anxious. Avoid arriving really early for your appointment since you might stress out waiting for the dentist to call you to their office. Instead, leave at the latest possible time. If you still get to your dentist early, try waiting outside or in your vehicle until it's closer to your scheduled appointment time so you're not in a higher-stress environment.[2]
- Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to your appointment without being late since that might make you more stressed out.
[Edit]Bring a friend or family member. - Someone you trust can help comfort you during your visit. Let your loved one know that you get really nervous when you go to the dentist's office and ask if they're available to come to your appointment. When you're at the appointment, have a casual and relaxing conversation, hold their hand, or ask them to comfort you. That way, you don't have to go through everything on your own.[3]
- If your loved one can't come with you, ask your dentist if you're able to call them during your appointment so you can still hear their voice.
[Edit]Let your dentist know you're anxious. - Your dentist wants to make you feel comfortable and safe. Right when you get to your appointment, let the receptionist and your dentist know that you're a little bit nervous or afraid of the pain. Let them know if you've had bad experiences with other dentists and ask them questions about your procedure. They may have some suggestions or strategies to calm you down.[4][5]
- If you haven't seen your dentist before, stop by their office before your scheduled appointment to meet them and talk about what you're afraid of. By the time your appointment arrives, they'll be able to adapt to your specific needs.
- The dental staff will usually do everything they can to make you feel relaxed during your visit. If your dentist isn't accommodating to your needs, then it may be time to find a new one. Look for someone who specializes or works with patients that have anxiety since they'll be able to work around the things that make you nervous.
[Edit]Ask the dentist to explain what they're doing. - You won't feel as nervous if you know exactly what's happening. Talk to your dentist and ask questions about exactly what they're going to do during your appointment. Ask them to tell you about the procedure first so you can get a better understanding of it. If they have the time, see if they can demonstrate each step before actually working on your teeth. Seeing and hearing the steps takes a lot of the unknown stress off of you and builds trust between you and your dentist.[6]
- Ask questions about how painful your procedure will be. Typically, routine cleanings are relatively painless so you shouldn't worry about them as much.
- During the procedure, ask them to say what they're doing out loud so you can mentally prepare for it in the moment.
[Edit]See if light sedation is an option. - Sedation helps you relax and makes your procedure pain-free. Ask your dentist if they offer nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," to help you calm down. They'll fit a mask over your face and give you enough gas so you're still able to respond to them. You may not remember everything that happens during the appointment, but you'll feel relaxed and less anxious.[7]
- You'll usually need someone else to take you to your appointment since sedation affects your ability to drive.
- If you have serious anxiety or are undergoing a larger procedure, you may be given a full anesthetic and be put to sleep while your dentist works. You won't feel pain during the procedure if you're fully put under.[8]
[Edit]Agree on hand signals for when you're stressed. - Signals are a great way to let your dentist know you need a break. Before your dentist starts working in your mouth, talk to them and agree on a signal, such as raising your hand or tapping on the chair 3 times. During your procedure, if you ever feel too nervous, stressed, or are in pain, give your dentist the signal so they stop working. Explain to them what's making you anxious and take a few seconds to calm down again.[9]
[Edit]Try deep breathing exercises. - Deep, slow breaths help you calm down in the moment. You can try this in the waiting room or while you're sitting in the dentist's chair to feel more relaxed.[10] Sit up straight and blow out all the air you have in your lungs until they feel like they're empty. Count while you take a long, slow breath in so your lungs are full. Then count as you breathe out. Keep breathing until you aren't feeling as nervous.[11]
- You can also try following a short guided meditation to slow your breathing and ease your mind.
- Pair your breathing exercises with progressive muscle relaxation to get rid of physical tension.
[Edit]Imagine you're in a relaxing place. - Pretending to be in your happy place keeps you distracted. Close your eyes and try to visualize the most calming place you can think of. Maybe it's sitting in front of a cozy fire, lying on a quiet beach, or walking through a garden. Think about how stress-free and relaxed you'd feel if you were actually there so you feel less tense at the dentist's office.[12]
[Edit]Listen to some soothing music. - Drown out the sound of drills with your favorite tunes. Bring a pair of headphones with you and make a playlist of some music that helps you relax. Let your dentist explain the procedure to you before turning on your music. Close your eyes and turn the volume up enough so you can't hear your dentist's tools while they're working.[13]
- If you forgot your headphones, ask your dentist if they have any at the office you can use.
- Be careful not to bob your head or sing along to your music since it might disturb the work your dentist is doing.
- Come up with a signal your dentist can use to get your attention while they're working. For example, you can ask them to tap on your shoulder when you need to stop your music and listen to their instructions.
[Edit]Watch your favorite TV show. - Ask for the remote if your dentist has a TV in their office. Some dentists put TVs on the ceiling so you can watch something during your procedure. Ask them to change it to your favorite channel or channel surf until you find something you like. During your appointment, focus all your attention on the TV so you aren't as concerned with what your dentist is doing in your mouth.[14]
- If they don't have a TV, ask your dentist if you can watch something on your phone or a tablet.
[Edit]Squeeze on a stress-relief ball. - Use this to release some of your tension during your procedure. Keep a stress ball in one of your hands during the entire appointment. Whenever you feel nervous, give the stress ball a few tight squeezes instead of clenching your jaw or tensing up your muscles. Take deep, slow breaths while you use your stress ball so you stay calm and relaxed.[15]
- You can bring your own stress ball, but your dentist may have one at their office if you ask them.
[Edit]Get anti-anxiety medication for future procedures. - Ask your dentist about a prescription if you have severe anxiety. Talk to your dentist before you have any oral surgery if you're feeling really anxious about the procedure. They may prescribe you a single-dose anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam or lorazepam, that you can take on the day of your surgery to feel more relaxed.[16][17] Take the medication an hour before your appointment, or whenever your dentist recommends, so you don't feel as nervous during your procedure.[18]
- The size of your dose depends on the length of your appointment. For a 1–2 hour appointment, you'll usually get 0.125–0.5 mg of medication. For one that's 2–4 hours long, you may get 1–4 mg instead.
- You will need someone to take and pick you up from your appointment since you cannot safely drive after medication.
- You'll be more sensitive to pain if you're anxious about your visit, so do everything you can to relax so your appointment goes smoothly and pain-free.[19]
- Look for a dentist that works with a lot of anxious patients since they'll be able to help calm your nerves even better.[20]
- Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. That way, you get used to all of the tools and procedures so you're less likely to feel anxious.[21]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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