As much as you may need dental work, there’s a good chance you’re hesitant to get it. Many patients find the idea of seeing a dentist too worrying or frightening to consider. With that said, there’s simply no need for such worries; a dental visit isn’t something you should feel afraid of. A proper appointment would actually be a calm and smooth experience. As proof, here are four reasons you shouldn’t fear the dentist.
They Won’t Shame You
A dental visit can seem intimidating if your smile is in bad shape. However, please rest assured; a dentist won’t shame you over your oral health.
Qualified dentists are compassionate and want your smile to thrive. As such, they won’t waste time criticizing you for your teeth, gums, and so on. They’ll instead work with you patiently and warmly to make your grin healthier, ensuring it stays strong for years to come. You shouldn’t expect them to judge you, whatever the state of your oral health.
They Ease Your Anxiety
Some folks are scared of dental care, but never fear. Dentists have the power to ease your treatment-related anxiety.
Indeed, many practices offer sedation dentistry as one of their services. This field uses various sedation options to keep patients calm, making the required dental work easier. A good example would be nitrous oxide sedation – the application of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” during a procedure. Similarly, some dentists provide oral conscious sedation that relies on sedative pills.
They Find Time for You
When you have a packed schedule, the thought of sparing time for dentistry might worry you. Still, don’t get worked up; dentists will work with you to find suitable appointment times.
Most dentists know that life is a whirlwind of responsibilities – work, school, parenting, etc. Therefore, plenty of them are open on the weekends and evenings to accommodate patient schedules. Many will also consult you – whether over the phone or by email – about times that’d work for you. It’s just a matter of finding a dentist with the right location and hours.
They Make Your Care Affordable
You don’t need to be scared of the cost of dental treatment. Assuming you find a good one, your dentist will make your care affordable.
Dental practices typically have ways to reduce procedure prices. For example, many accept dental insurance plans that fully cover dental checkups, cleanings, and so on. Others let patients join dental membership plans, which provide discounts in exchange for an annual fee. Some practices even offer flexible financing through groups like CareCredit, allowing you to pay in monthly installments.
Clearly, there’s just no good reason to fear the dentist. See for yourself by visiting your local one soon!
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Pitarra is a dentist based in Corpus Christi, TX, having earned her DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry. To ensure patients have healthy smiles and lives, she and her team take a holistic approach to dental care and consider the whole body’s needs. The result is that each appointment leaves you (and your grin) in much better shape than you were before! Today, Dr. Pitarra practices at her self-titled clinic and is reachable on her website and by phone at (361)-855-7171.