Do you avoid the dentist?
Has a bad experience with a dentist left you traumatized? Does dental drama make you fear seeing the dentist? You’re not alone. A Gallup poll shows that one-third of adults in the U.S. skip their dental visits annually. But did you know that putting off visits to the dentist puts your oral health (and overall health) at risk?!
Dr. E wants to help you get to the root of WHY you may dislike OR be afraid to go to the dentist – and what you can do to LIKE going back to the dentist again and again!
Sticker Shock
Surveys show that cost prohibits 44 percent of patients from visiting the dentist. Many simply don’t have dental insurance or they don’t take the time to research out-of-pocket costs. They may also fear being over-treated and over-charged! However, many dentists – including Dr. E. — work up front with patients to disclose costs prior to procedures. In addition, Dr. E offers patients a flexible Dental Savings Plan, with features like no yearly maximums or deductibles, to keep dental services accessible to ALL patients, regardless of whether they have dental insurance. It’s also important to point out that seeing the dentist regularly actually helps your wallet by minimizing the chances that patients will need expensive dental work.
Anxiety
Now that we’ve put the fear of sticker shock behind you, let’s address anxiety about going to the dentist. If a bad trip to the dentist has made you nervous about going back into the chair, there are simple technique you can use to calm your nerves before and during your next visit. Try meditating just before you leave for your appointment. Bring ear buds and listen to calming music as you await your turn. Distraction also works. Bring along a good book or, better yet – a funny relative or friend — who can help lighten the mood to alleviate dental anxiety during your visit.
Busy Schedules
On-the-go lifestyles cause many of us to put off going to the dentist. But neglecting oral health leads to risk of cavities, gum disease, and other serious health concerns. Be sure to build regular dental appointments into your routine just as you would for your annual physical, flu shot, eye check, mammogram, etc.
Living in the Past
Painful dental procedures are typically a thing of the past. If you fear seeing the dentist due to pain, keep in mind that there have been numerous advances in dental care in the past decade that greatly improve the patient experience. Many dentists like Dr. E use minimally invasive techniques and other patient-friendly technologies to comfort patients during procedures. Pain simply doesn’t have to be a factor in preventing your next dental visit!
Don’t Judge Me!
Don’t stress if it has been quite a while since your last dental visit. The dentist isn’t there to judge. Really! And they won’t be offended if you admit that you don’t like coming to see them. In reality, dentists value your honesty and clear communication so that they can provide you with the best information and care possible. The best dentists will take the time to understand what has triggered your dental fear or has prevented you from coming in. They will use this information to tailor treatment to your comfort level, budget, and timeline.
Remember, skipping regular visits to the dentist can actually create bigger problems down the road. Learn to like your visits to the dentist by keeping the above tips in mind. Doing so will help you keep your oral health on track!