Why Visiting The Dentist Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Dental anxieties are real, but they shouldn’t lead to a decline in your oral health. One of our biggest goals at our practice is to ensure our patients are as comfortable as can be. New patients often come to us with tons of fear and hesitation, and we do everything in our power to ensure they are leaving with the confidence and assurance that they are in the right and capable hands.

As a dentist, our job is to work with you to find a treatment plan. The key word in that sentence, being “with.” See, overall it’s your health and wellness, and you have every single right to be informed and have a say. After all, it is a lot less scary if you are fully prepared for what’s ahead. So if you are always dreading or fearing your next dentist appointment, here’s why you shouldn’t (at least not with us):

Honesty is The Best Policy

If you’re nervous, say something. You are not the first person to be afraid of the dentist, and you sure won’t be the last. By opening up about your fears and concerns, we are better equipped to ease any anxieties or worries you may have.

When it comes to your dental anxieties, there is often a common cause behind it, and identifying that can help elevate the stress. Some of the most common reasons for dental fear include:

A Bad Past Experience: If you’ve had a prior experience that caused pain or discomfort, it’s common to assume the rest will be the same. Talk to your dentist about this experience, so they can better prepare you for what to expect in the future.

Pain: Even if you haven’t had a painful experience, you might assume that all visits must be painful ones, but that’s not the case. Many cleanings and routine procedures can leave you pain-free and at ease.

Lack of Control: In general, not having control can be a scary thought for most; but the more you know about what to expect, the more questions you ask, and the more informed you are, the better you’ll feel about your upcoming dentist appointment.

Remember, the more you attend your routine cleanings, the easier it is for you to build a trusting relationship with your dentist.

It Can Prevent Further Damage

Your diet, your at-home dental routine, and your attention to detail are all vital to ensure a small problem doesn’t go south. Some of the most major dental issues come after a minor issue was neglected. Being comfortable enough to see your dentist can prevent you from having to undergo major dental procedures. Infections, cracked teeth, and cavities can cause symptoms such as:

• Throbbing and shooting pain

• Jaw pain

• Swelling, soreness, or bleeding gums

If you begin experiencing any of the above, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever, you’ll want to visit your dentist, as soon as possible.

It Can Build Up Confidence

Another common reason you may be fearing the dentist could be the current state of your teeth. Many people are embarrassed about their lack of care or their stained teeth — but that should never deter you from your regular appointments. In fact, we can even help!

Looking to improve your smile or replace teeth? From dental implants to Invisalign treatments, we can thoroughly discuss all your options and treatments plans, so that you can smile with confidence.

Are you looking to get rid of stains? We’d be happy to discuss our whitening options, as well as ways to prevent further stains in the future.

Overall, when it comes to your dental health, we are here for you. Your teeth and gums can say a lot about your overall health, and ignoring their care is not something we advise. So if you have any fears, concerns, or worries, feel free to let your dentist know — they will be more than happy to help ease them.