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Reasons To Not Go To The Dentist

woman scared of dental toolsThere are so many reasons not to visit a dentist. And yet there are now very compelling reasons to have a healthy mouth. Everyday there are more and more medical studies showing a clear link between gum disease and cancer, diabetes, chronic inflammation, heart disease - the list goes on and on. One researcher believes that at least half of the heart attacks in this country originate from the bacteria in gum disease. With all this evidence, you would think people would be lining up outside the door of every dentist. So why are they not doing this?

Many people are afraid to visit a dentist for a myriad of reasons. Some have had a traumatic experience while being treated, either as a child or adult (or both) and never want to go back. This is completely understandable and if I had experienced this, I would feel the same way. Luckily, there are ways to deal with this that make it possible to visit a dentist.

If someone's anxiety goes beyond laughing gas, then we offer Relaxation Dentistry. We give you relaxing medication until you reach a deeper state of calmness. At that point you are in and out of dozing and we can often repair years of damage in one visit.

Another major reason to not go to the dentist is fear of pain. There are few things more horrible than having dental work done when you are not numb. Newer types of anesthesia work better and there is new technology like the Wand, a computer controlled anesthesia delivery system that helps give pain free anesthesia. Once a patient is profoundly numb, we can go ahead and take care of their dental needs very easily.

Sometimes, certain dental procedures don't require anesthesia. When combined with minimally invasive technology and techniques, such as Air Abrasion, a water/powder spray that removes decay painlessly, you can actually have some fillings done without any discomfort. Though this may sound unbelievable, it happens every day in my office.

Who can afford to go to the dentist? Not everyone has insurance and sadly insurance doesn't really cover that much. In the 1970's when dental insurance was first created, the average annual maximum was around $1500. Today, the average annual maximum should be $10 - $15,000, but unbelievably is still $1500. There are many options to deal with this issue. We offer outside financing that lets you pay over time, with amounts that fit into your budget. It's just like buying a big television, only you get to eat with these benefits every day! Another option is to phase the treatment over time. We prioritize your needs and work out a time schedule that works for you. 

Some people avoid the dentist because they don't enjoy being lectured to or made to feel uncomfortable about the condition of their mouth. I believe in positive reinforcement and we practice "Guilt Free Dentistry" So we are happy to show you what is needed to get you back to a state of health and to have a great smile. You will never be lectured or made to feel guilty at my office.

Finally, in this fast paced world, many people can't seem to find the time to go to the dentist. Luckily, my office is very aware that healthcare is a service industry and we have to be available to deliver fantastic care. So we have regular hours on Saturdays.

So, as you can see, there are many options available for folks who don't like to go to the dentist. Maybe one of these answers will work for you. One of the many things I have learned as a practicing dentist for over 30 years, is that never a better time to fix a dental problem than right now! It will only get more uncomfortable, more annoying and more expensive.

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