Why Do People Avoid the Dentist?

We understand that it can be easy to make excuses to avoid a visit to the dentist.

But is it worth it in the long run? We don’t think so! A dental chair can be very intimidating. There is good news though: we can address and minimize your greatest fears! Our goal is to keep you healthy and make you feel better about your visit.

So what are some of the main reasons people avoid the dentist? Here are some of the major ones:

Dental Anxiety – There are many reasons that people fear coming to the dentist, but they don’t have to take over your life. If you have dental anxiety take some time to get to know us and tell us your fears. Anxiety can be a product of childhood trauma or even a bad dental experience as an adult. Having a dentist that keeps you comfortable and gives you the best evaluations and advice will help make the experience a positive one, with minimal discomfort.
No Problems (you can feel!)- A lot of people take really good care of their teeth. They brush and floss regularly which helps to justify not going to the dentist. However, you still need to visit the dentist. We can be much more thorough with our cleanings than brushing and flossing alone. Our expertise, and use of x-rays can spot problems (like gum disease and issues at the root) long before you will notice them at home. If your oral health is really stellar, talk to us about scheduling cleanings once a year.
Cost– Dental care can be expensive, and if a person does not have dental insurance, they might not know if they can afford to visit a dentist. Prevention is always more affordable than fixing a problem down the line. Scheduling regular cleanings and simple procedures such as fixing a filling are much more affordable than a root canal or dental implant. Visiting us more regularly will actually save you time, money, and anguish in the long run.
Fear of Drills, Shots, Loud Noises, Pain – A lot of people have specific fears of equipment and procedures we use everyday. If you have a specific fear, it is as simple as letting us know! We will work with you to reduce your fear and keep you as calm as possible. If you fear the noise of a drill, we can come up with a solution, such as headphones and music to help you relax.

If you haven’t visited us (or any dentist) recently, you may be surprised. The world of dentistry is constantly growing and evolving. Developments in dentistry are created with the goal of keeping you more comfortable, getting you on your way more quickly, and reducing costs.

For more information, and to schedule an appointment contact us today. At our office, we strive to make you feel welcome from the first phone call, and your needs will continue to remain our top priority at every office visit. We look forward to seeing you!

Sources:
U.S. News
City Dental Center
ASAP
HateDentists.com