Scared of visiting the dentist? You’re not alone. Many people of all ages get nervous before their dental visits or even avoid going altogether.
The anxiety is natural, but it’s important not to let it stop you from maintaining good oral health. Here are a few things to keep in mind that might help you face your fears.
1. They’re Here to Help
Good dentists and hygienists want the best for their patients. They don’t want to scare you or put you through a gamut of invasive treatments. They’ll start you out with a simple cleaning and exam before creating a treatment plan to address any issues they find.
You’ll know what’s going on every step of the way, and you’ll always have the option to ask for alternative treatments if you need to. You’re the boss!
2. They’ll Be Gentle with You
If you’re afraid that getting a cleaning or fillings will hurt, don’t be. Dental staff know how much the thought of being in pain frightens patients.
While you might feel some pressure or discomfort during these procedures, you shouldn’t feel pain. Hygienists are very careful when cleaning teeth, and you’ll always have local anesthetic numbing the affected area when getting a filling or root canal. If you’re still feeling anxious, your dentist might offer oral sedation or laughing gas to help you relax.
3. They Don’t Judge
Some people worry that their dentist or hygienist will judge them for avoiding routine visits. This is especially common for people who haven’t been to the dentist in years (sometimes even decades).
In reality, the opposite is usually true: your dental team will be thrilled to see you overcome your fears and start working on your oral health. We never judge anyone for seeking our help, and as we always say, it’s never too late to turn things around.
4. You’ll Get to Listen to All the Office Gossip
You’ll be sitting in the dental chair for quite a while during your cleaning, and that means you’ll have nothing to do but relax and listen to the banter between your dentist and their staff. You’ll hear all about the big trip your dentist is going on next month, what your hygienist plans to do on the weekend, where the team will be hosting the receptionist’s baby shower – pretty much everything going on around the office.
Or you could just pop in your earbuds and listen to music. That’s okay too.
5. You’ll Get a Goodie Bag
Who doesn’t love those little bags filled with travel-sized oral hygiene loot? No one, that’s who.
6. The Sooner You Do It, the Easier It Will Be
Most oral health problems get worse over time. Cavities get larger, gum disease gets worse, cracked teeth fracture further, and oral cancer progresses and metastasizes. They’ll cause lasting damage to your teeth and gums, cause you pain, and get more expensive to fix.
Catching these issues early avoids all of that unnecessary suffering. You’ll get the best outcomes with the least pain at the lowest price – what’s not to like?
Take Charge of Your Oral Health Today
Even with all of these reasons to just grit your teeth and do it, we know it’s still hard to take that first step. Our team at Ouellette Family Dentistry serves hundreds of anxious patients just like you. Contact us today to enroll as a new patient at our clinic. We’ll welcome you with open arms and treat you with all the patience and kindness you deserve.
