One thing I wish someone told me before my root canal/crown combo: bring your own headphones and queue up a long playlist or podcast.

Headphones saved me during my last crown. I used a true crime podcast and honestly, it distracted me way more than I expected. One thing I’d add - if you’re sensitive to cold, bring a light scarf or hoodie. Those rooms are always freezing for some reason.

One thing I’d add - if you’re sensitive to cold, bring a light scarf or hoodie. Those rooms are always freezing for some reason.

Couldn’t agree more about the cold! I swear dental offices set the AC to “arctic.” Headphones were a game changer for me too, but I actually went with calming music instead of podcasts. Did anyone else find music helped with nerves, or do you think podcasts are better for distraction?

For me, podcasts just didn’t cut it during my last round of dental work. I tried to listen to one about unsolved mysteries (figured a distraction would be good), but then I kept missing chunks every time the hygienist asked me something or when the drill got loud. By the end, I had no clue who stole what or why everyone was hiding in a barn in 1972. It was honestly more confusing than calming.

Music, on the other hand, worked way better for my nerves. I built a playlist of chill indie stuff and some old favorites - nothing too peppy, but not elevator music either. Something about knowing the next song coming up made me feel more in control. Plus, if things got stressful, I could just focus on the lyrics or try to remember where I first heard that song... and suddenly I wasn’t as focused on what was going on in my mouth.

And yeah, those rooms are always freezing. The last time I went, I thought ahead and wore thick socks and brought a hoodie. Still ended up shivering halfway through. Maybe they keep it cold so we don’t fall asleep? Or maybe it’s just a dentist thing - like a secret society rule.

But back to headphones: if you’re easily startled by unexpected sounds (or just hate hearing your own teeth being power washed), anything that drowns out the noise is a win. Podcasts are great if you can follow along with interruptions, but personally, music is less work for my brain when I’m already stressed out.

Funny enough, my dentist said he likes when people bring headphones because it keeps them calmer and less jumpy. Makes his job easier too... win-win, I guess.

I totally get what you mean about missing chunks of a podcast - happens to me every time, especially with all the rinsing and random questions. I’m curious, do you pick specific playlists based on the type of appointment? Like, is there a “drill-proof” genre that works better for longer procedures?

is there a “drill-proof” genre that works better for longer procedures?

Honestly, true crime podcasts are a no-go for me - a suspenseful moment always coincides with the loudest drill. I stick to chill instrumental stuff or comedy playlists. Stand-up is risky, though... nothing like trying not to laugh while your mouth’s full of cotton. For marathon appointments, lo-fi beats or movie soundtracks seem to drown out the whirring without missing anything important.