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Are you afraid to see your dentist? You are not alone – nearly one in five people have dental anxiety. Many of those with dental anxiety fear the dental experience, have a previous negative dental experience, are concerned about the cost of treatment, are anxious about their gag reflex, or worry about receiving bad news.

Fortunately, dentistry has changed so much over the years that these are no longer a concern for most young people – children and young adults have never experienced many of the issues that cause dental anxiety. Advances in dentistry have also helped many older adults overcome the anxiety and fear of visiting their dentist.

Top Reasons You Should Not Be Afraid During Your Next Trip to the Dentist

Modern dentistry is pain-free

Dental techniques have improved drastically over the past few years, and many of the improvements have made dentistry completely painless. Root canals, which were once regarded as the most painful dental experience, are now virtually pain-free because dentists use special tools to perform the procedure.

Better pain relief

Pain relievers have also improved – even over-the-counter analgesics can provide better pain relief without making you feel drowsy.

Dental sedation

One of the biggest advances has been the introduction of sedation. Dental sedation uses medications that help patients relax through dental procedures.

There are four main types of dental sedation:

•       Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen; when inhaled, nitrous oxide helps you relax and remain calm, but stay awake enough to hear and follow your dentist’s instructions
•       Oral sedation – your dentist will provide you with a pill or pills to take just before your appointment; the sedation will put you into a sleep, yet conscious state
•       IV sedation – like oral sedation, but administered intravenously through an IV
•       General anesthesia – reserved for extremely anxious people and for longer or more involved dental procedures, general anesthesia causes a complete loss of consciousness

Dental sedation minimizes pain and anxiety, and improves the dental experience for anyone who has dental anxiety.

Dentists are compassionate

Most dentists enter the profession because they want to help people with oral health and transform the lives of their patients. There is perhaps no better feeling than to help someone overcome painful and sometimes embarrassing dental problems, and to improve their patients’ smiles.

Dentistry is less invasive

Dentists use advanced technology to detect and fill cavities, perform root canals, treat dental problems, and preserve healthy tissue. In the old days of dentistry, the most effective treatment was to pull the patient’s teeth – today, dentists can perform a wide variety of procedures to save a patient’s teeth and restore their smile.

Advanced technology

Advances in dental technology helps reduce pain, improve treatments, and even decrease the number of office visits. Advanced dental technology helps dentists treat cavities with stronger fillings, dental crowns, and implants, which means treatments provide longer-lasting results that look better.

Even x-rays are more comfortable

In the early days of dentistry, patients would have to hold very large and uncomfortable x-ray bites in their mouths. The process of dental x-rays seemed long and cumbersome, especially for those with dental anxiety. Old-fashioned dental x-rays also exposed patients to radiation, and did not always provide the best images.

Today, most dental offices use digital x-rays, which are vastly more comfortable and do not require the use of those uncomfortable bites. Digital x-rays make the entire process quicker, more comfortable, more accurate, and involve less exposure to radiation.

Routine visits

Skipping dental visits can allow minor dental problems to become major ones that require more advanced treatments. Going to the dentist more often keeps your teeth and gums in the best condition possible.

Dentists can actually reduce dental pain

Toothaches, broken teeth, sensitive teeth, gum infections and other dental problems can cause chronic pain. Some types of dental problems can even prevent you from eating, drinking, or talking as well as you should. Your dentist can take care of these problems to stop dental pain.

Better ways to distract yourself

Back in the old days, there was no choice but to listen to the noise that dental tools make. Today, you can listen to your favorite music on your phone while wearing earbuds. Many dentists also offer comfortable headphones and a wide selection of music you can listen to while undergoing treatment.

A beautiful smile

Your dentist is your ally when it comes to having a great smile. Dentists have the training, expertise and tools to help your teeth look their whitest, brightest and healthiest.

One of the best ways to overcome your dental anxiety is to communicate your concerns to your dentist. Most dentists have experience in dealing with dental anxiety and can help you find ways to relax during dental visits.

For more reasons you should not be afraid to see your dentist, consult with the dental professionals at Westerville Dental Associates. Our dental team has helped countless patients overcome their dental anxiety and are glad to help you too. Contact us today for a better dental experience – and a gorgeous smile – tomorrow.