One of the biggest phobias that people experience in the world today is the fear of going to see a dentist. It is estimated that around 15 percent of the population in the United States has a severe phobia of going to the dentist, and many more experience nervousness and anxiety when it comes time for that regular oral check-up.
Now more than ever it is time for people to put their phobias about dentistry aside. For many years, the practice has been associated with frightening tools and painful treatment methods, but advanced technology has created many innovative tools and procedures that make the entire experience much less scary and painful for the patient than it was in the old days.
Here are some of the most common reasons people are afraid to schedule a visit with a dentist and why they should have no fear:
* Fear of the Dentists Themselves: It is a common fear of the patient that the dentist may enjoy inflicting pain on them. It is important to remember that good dentists chose their specialty in order to care for people, not to hurt them.
* Fear of Pain: Dental procedures can be painful, it is true. However, the longer a person waits to have a check-up, the more invasive and painful the procedures they end up needing are going to be. It is important to consider the fact that many innovative tools are being used today to lessen the pain, and a patient always has the right to opt for pain relief options, from numbing gel to anesthesia.
* Fear of Drills or other Loud Tools in the Mouth: Another very common fear is that of having loud and frightening tools stuck into the mouth. It is important to remember that a patient has the right to familiarize himself or herself with the equipment, to ask questions and try to get comfortable. Patients are also allowed to listen to music on headphones during any procedure which can help immensely in taking the mind off of the tools.
* Fear of Suffocation or Choking: Having the mouth filled with tools and saliva is very uncomfortable and intimidating. It is important to remember that patients have the right to hold and control the saliva vacuum tool which can be a great help, both psychologically and actually.
Being afraid of seeing a dentist is more common than one may think, but it is a serious phobia that needs to be overcome in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Neglecting the proper treatments can lead to a number of issues that will require more invasive procedures in order to be corrected later. Fortunately, there is a dentist in Birmingham MI who wants to make their patients smile.
To get comfortable, it is advised to do some background research on the facility and the dentists working there. Make an initial consultation and ask questions about the practice and the tools they use. Make sure you feel comfortable and that you are choosing a modern facility with friendly, highly qualified dentists who are concerned with your comfort and health. Contact Dwoskin & Owens Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 248-626-0772 to schedule an appointment.
