The dentist isn’t someone that everyone raves about seeing. While we all want that amazing smile and know that oral health is important, going to the dentist can cause some severe anxiety. As a family dentist in Boronia, we would like to go over some of the reasons for anxiety and hopefully offer some advice that will assist with it as well. While we know we have to see the dentist, sometimes, the anxiety can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1-Embarrassment
Whoever you choose to be your dentist, you shouldn’t have to be embarrassed, no matter what state your teeth are in. Maybe you were never taught proper oral care and didn’t see a dentist as a child but now, you want to change that. However, you have anxiety because they are so bad. You need to find a dentist that is sensitive to this. Whatever the reasoning is that got you here, crawling into a dental chair is the very best thing you can do. Did you know that your oral health will affect your overall health? You don’t want to let your health go, call a dentist today and explain your situation.
2-Hate needles
There is a huge fear of needles. But, if you find the right dentist they will inject you in a manner that you won’t even know that they are doing so. Most dentists know this trick, but fail to use it. Giving an injection slowly with some local numbing cream can make the needle experience a lot better. Be sure that you speak with the dentist about this fear, so they can take some extra precautions with you.
3-The smells and sounds
The smells are actually a lot better than they were in previous years. If the dentist is using the near bonding agents and fillers. Typically only when a temporary bonding agent is used, will you have that dental smell. You will know as soon as your visit is a dentist if they use old or the newer version. You could also ask. Some dentists will do their best to avoid the smelly chemicals that people get nervous about. You should ask before you make an appointment. If you are given any grief over the phone for asking, you should move on to find a different clinic.
For the sounds, you might try a nice set of headphones to drown people and sounds out. However, you should alert the dentist that you are wearing them, as they might not realize it and be asking you questions.
4-You fear the cost of it all
Speaking to the dental clinic will help calm this fear. You don’t have to decide at your very first visit what dental work you can afford. You can ask them what treatments they feel you need and the costs associated with them. This will empower you with knowledge. Knowing how much it will cost, will allow you to be more prepared. The fear of the unknown is what is driving your anxiety, most likely. So, be sure that you are very upfront and clear about your financial situation.
5-The tastes
Some people cannot stand the smell or taste of toothpaste. It can be so bad, that they have to fight their way to brush their teeth each and every time. Perhaps it is associated with some sort of trauma or child abuse. There are many reasons why people have a hard time brushing their teeth, however, if you’re one of them, discuss this with your dentist. There are many different flavors of toothpaste out there. While mint is the most common, there are children’s kinds of toothpaste that are fruity. You might find these more tolerable. But, when speaking to your family dentist in Boronia and hygienist about this, they can suggest some options for you.
There are a number of reasons why people have dental anxiety. Speaking with your dentist, they can determine what course of action would be best for you. Some will also offer prescription medication or gas that will relax you a bit. This medication can be taken just before your appointment to ensure that you are more relaxed and comfortable. The gas can be given in the clinic and you will feel normal as soon as it is taken away. These are great options for those that have a bit of trouble seeing their family dentist in Boronia.
Finding a dentist that you like and trust tends to take some people some time. It is recommended that you try out and meet a couple of dentists before settling on one that is good for you. However, the Boronia Clinic would give you some tips on how to find a family dentist.
1-Ask family and friends.
This can be easily done on your social media. Ask who they use and why. This will give you a good insight as to how you might fit into that Boronia Clinic. Sometimes someone is perfect for one of your friends and family but maybe doesn’t work with your personality.
2-Schedule an appointment to see their clinic and the level of technology that they use.
Dental services have come a long way in recent years and the industry is always evolving. You will want to ensure that your dentist is using up-to-date technology and offers things like digital X Rays.
3-Is it conveniently located for you?
Is it near your home or work, so that it is easy for you to pop in and get the dental care taken care of.
4-What type of services do they offer?
Emergency services are a must with finding a family dentist. You want to find a Boronia Clinic that offers all dental services. This will allow you to have a convenient place to call should there be an emergency pop-up.
5-Look for training certifications and awards.
Do any of the dentists in the Boronia Clinic have special training? Perhaps they did some extra training in cosmetic dentistry. Maybe they are members of special groups. Ask about their training and what awards they may have. Remember, however, a good dentist doesn’t necessarily have to have any special awards. This is just something to keep in mind.
6-Get to know the staff
When you schedule an appointment, was it easy? Be sure that you like the staff at the family dental clinic as they will be a big part of your oral health care. You should be treated in a respectful manner and feel comfortable with them. They will be providing a lot of services while you are in the clinic such as teeth cleaning. You want to be comfortable with the dental hygienists and dental assistants.
7-Look up the online reviews for that particular Boronia Clinic
See what others have to say about them. This step is really important and you will thank us later. You can find out a lot about a particular Boronia Clinic if you start digging. There are many places where people can leave reviews. So, be sure that you poke around a bit and see what others have to say about a clinic you are considering.
8-Always trust your instincts
You decide on a dentist and go to meet them, but there is just something off. You don’t get their sense of humor or they don’t get yours. Whatever is off, always trust your instincts and try a different clinic. There are many options out there, finding who is best for you is your goal.
9-Check the rates and payment options
We all want a dentist that we can afford, of course. So be sure that you understand the payment arrangements and costs that you will understand and be able to afford. As if they have payment plans or offer payment plans, if this is something you will need. Many will offer something to help with the expenses of the dental treatments.
10-Ask questions.
You are hiring them. You have many choices and should ask questions that are of concern to you. This could be anything related to the clinic and atmophere. Don’t be shy, you are trying to find someone that you feel comfortable with and affordable. Be sure to ask questions and their recommendations for your current situation. After all, you are trying to make a good choice here.
Finding the right dentist might take some time. Don’t get discouraged as there are many different approaches by dentists to treat the same thing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that one is right and one is wrong, but it means you need to be comfortable with their choices for your oral health.
We have all heard that it is what is recommended by the American dental association. However, there are reasons for their recommendations. People need to see the dentist to ensure that their oral health is up to par. Yes, you brush your teeth regularly, floss, and use mouthwash at home but there is nothing compared to professional cleaning.
Most people leave the dentist after a professional cleaning to feel more fresh and clean. However, there are other reason for visiting the dentist as well
1-Improve your smile
Your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you. Our smiles carry a lot of weight on our self-confidence. If you are not happy with your smile, then you will have low self-esteem. Gum Disease, rotting teeth, and missing teeth can all be a part of a bad-looking smile. These things happen if you don’t see your dentist on a regular basis. Missing proper cleaning can lead to missing or damaged teeth.
2-Save money in the future
While a preventative visit does cost money, it is far less costly than getting your teeth taken care of. If you have insurance, quite often they will cover cleanings 100%. However, if you do or don’t have insurance, it is almost always more costly to deal with damaged/rotting teeth than it is to do the preventative care that is recommended.
3- Stop Gum Disease
Gum Disease is no joke. It can not only affect the look of your smile and breathe but can also affect your overall health. Oral health is actually linked to many other health issues such as heart disease, diabetic problems, and overall health issues. It is important that you care for your mouth and your oral health to ensure that you are overall healthy.
4-Prevent Plaque
Plaque can eat away at your tooth’s enamel and cause cavities. If these cavities are left untreated you will have further damage to the tooth which will lead to the need for a root canal or pulling. You may think you are doing a great job at brushing, but a professional cleaning takes it to the next level. Plaque builds up where you are missing with your toothbrush. Your dental hygienist should be able to show you the troubled areas so that you can improve on them in the future.
5-Prevention of Tooth Decay
Preventing tooth decay is the number one reason you should see a dentist. It helps you keep Plaque and gum disease at bay and have a healthy smile. Our smiles are very important to us, and our oral health is directly tied to our overall health. Seeing your dentist allows an expert to go over your teeth and ensure that you have everything taken care of. Early detection of a cavity helps with the overall means of taking care of it. The earlier the better and the less costly.
If your health is important to you. Or if your looks are important to you, then you should see your dentist every 6 months for proper cleaning and check-up.
