Why You Shouldn’t Be Hesitant to Visit the Dental Office

It is recommended that most patients see their dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, your dental hygienist is able to periodically clean away the plaque and tartar that you’ve missed over, and your dentist can check for oral health issues so they can be treated before becoming serious. However, many Americans don’t attend their regular appointments as often as they should. Here are some common reasons why.

No Pain or Discomfort

Just because you aren’t feeling any symptoms as this time doesn’t mean that you should be skipping your regular cleanings and checkups. While it may seem that everything is okay in your smile, some small issues are difficult to detect without the help of a dentist. By tackling the now, you can avoid painful, costly dental emergencies from developing in the future.

Forgetfulness

With so a busy life and so many things to get done, scheduling a dental visit isn’t necessarily the top of your priority list, so it can be easy to forget. A simple solution is to give yourself a text reminder. If you have an appointment coming up, set up a reminder to go off a week or so before your appointment so it’s fresh on your mind. Before you leave the dental office, don’t forget to schedule your next appointment.

Shame

If you haven’t been to the dentist for a long time, you may be feeling embarrassed. Shame is a common reason why people are uncomfortable coming into the office. As much as you may think it is, it is extremely unlikely that your oral health is the worst that the dentist has every seen. They have taken care of countless smiles throughout the years. Even if your smile has seen better days, the dental team won’t laugh or say anything rude. The practice is a judgment-free zone, and your oral health is the number one priority!

Fear

Dental anxiety is incredibly common. Whether you are uncomfortable with the idea of dental tools in your mouth or you had a negative experience as a child, by expressing your concerns with the dental team, you can work to create a dental environment that makes you feel more comfortable. There are even sedation options, like nitrous oxide sedation, that can help you to receive dental treatment in a more relaxed state.

Financial Concerns

Cost is a frequent concern of patients when it comes to dental treatment. Before your appointment, ask if your dentist is in-network with your insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, ask the team if they have a membership plan, specials, or flexible financing options. Fear of cost shouldn’t be a reason to avoid essential dental care.

Skipping your dental visits can lead to serious oral health issues. By talking with your dental team, these don’t need to be excuses anymore!

About the Author

Dr. Heliben Desai earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of the Texas Dental Association and American Dental Association. For more information or to schedule your next appointment, visit her website or call (469) 346-8828.