You couldn’t believe it when your aunt revealed she hasn’t been to the dentist in five years. When you asked why she said she’d just been too embarrassed since she lost a couple of molars. After emphasizing how important it is that she quits putting off a checkup and cleaning, it seems that you’ve gotten through to her. You can’t help but wonder how many other people are avoiding an appointment due to some variation of dental fear. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in Newark some of the reasons this is all too common and why it shouldn’t be.
How Do People Justify Not Making a Dental Appointment?
There are probably a thousand reasons submitted, but here are five pretty common ones:
- No Symptoms: A person might think they feel just fine and have no reason for an exam. There could be trouble ahead and they don’t see it coming. A cleaning is always important.
- Forgetfulness: Someone will say they always forget to make an appointment. A well-placed sticky note reminder could remedy that.
- Shame: If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time and are dealing with bad breath and/or dental issues, embarrassment or concern about being judged may keep you away.
- Fear: “Dentophobia” is a real thing. It can have many causes. Maybe a person witnessed someone else who seemed to be in pain at the dentist or they have a general fear of sharp objects.
- Lack of Insurance: Someone may believe they simply cannot afford a dental visit. They might not think their insurance will cover treatment or maybe they don’t have any and have not checked on potential alternatives.
Why Does Being Afraid of the Dentist Not Make Sense?
If you feel a sense of concern thinking about a dental visit, here are five reasons that you shouldn’t:
- Dental tools shouldn’t be feared. If you are concerned about the tools used during an exam, ask the hygienist to explain to you what each one is used for before the cleaning and exam begin.
- The average dental appointment lasts an hour or less. If you are scheduled for a cleaning and exam, it’s not going to take up your whole afternoon. Having your vehicle serviced will usually take longer than maintenance for your mouth.
- Treatments can be explained in advance. If you are worried about what happens during a cleaning and exam, ask the hygienist to walk you through the process before any work begins.
- Seeing the dentist as a real person can be helpful. The dentist is a person just like you with hobbies and favorite foods – not a mysterious figure behind a mask. Having a quick chat about non-dental topics can be comforting when you first meet them.
Most people who don’t go to the dentist probably believe their reasons for dental fear are legitimate, but your teeth and gums won’t be interested in any excuses when plaque starts to take its toll. Making and following through on that one preventive dentistry appointment could mean everything when it comes to you getting more comfortable with your dentist in Newark.
About the Practice
At White Clay Dental Associates, we want you to find out why we have been voted “Best Dentist in Newark” several times. With an outstanding clinical team providing comprehensive services at an affordable price, it’s no wonder our patients are pleased. Our dentists are both members of the American Dental Association. If dental fear has made you hesitant to receive the care you need, we will be glad to explain any treatment in advance. Just mention your concerns when you schedule an appointment on our website or by calling (302) 731-4225.