There are so many myths and horror stories surrounding dentistry that fuel dental anxiety and fear. People tend to avoid the dentist, even if they need treatment, due to fears caused by misinformation. This neglect can lead to long-term and serious oral health problems, the results of which are often painful and expensive.
Today we aim to dispel some of these myths and hopefully ease your dental anxiety. It is so important to remember that visiting the dentist does not need to be frightening, it is a necessity to ensure good oral health.
Myth: Dentists do not have time for people who are nervous like me and who need a lot of encouragement and support whist having treatment.
Fact: The dentists at Belmore Dental in Enniskillen are all specially trained to support and work with patients who are nervous about undergoing treatment, this is something that we do on a regular basis so there is no need to think that you are making our job harder, we are here to make sure you feel comfortable and happy with your treatment.
At Belmore Dental we are always acutely aware of how difficult it is for nervous patients to even get as far as making an appointment, this is why we not only offer a free consultation with our friendly treatment coordinators as a ‘stepping stone’ to visiting the dentist, but we also provide sedation options for our patients.
Myth: I haven’t had a check-up in a long time, I’m sure the dentist will be completely shocked and appalled by the state of my mouth.
Fact: Our dentists are trained medical professionals who have seen countless patients who have unfortunately let their oral health slide. If your mouth is in bad condition, we are here to help you, not criticise you.
There is no time too late to invest in improving your dental health. We would be delighted to hear from you and help you on your journey to your dream smile.
Myth: If I need any treatment getting the anaesthetic injection will be so painful, I couldn’t bear it.
Fact: This is absolutely false. Pain associated with dental injections is very minimal, if you experience any pain at all. At Belmore Dental we use distraction techniques to take your mind away from the injection, with most patients reporting that they did not feel it at all.
Myth: When I go to the dentist, I have no way of knowing what is going on, and have no control whatsoever.
Fact: This is a common source of fear for nervous patients. At Belmore Dental your first visit will be confined to a consultation and assessment only, we will carry out an extensive examination of your mouth and after this we will provide you with a personalised treatment plan.
Once you have received your plan, one of our friendly treatment coordinators will discuss this with you and break down all recommended treatment options in detail. You will be able to ask any questions that you may have and ensure you leave feeling well informed. Your treatment coordinator will be available throughout your treatment journey should you need anything at all.
Myth: As long as my teeth seem okay, and I’m not experiencing any problems, I don’t need to visit the dentist.
Fact: Regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments are extremely important. You may think that your teeth are healthy, but it’s always worth visiting your dentist for a quick examination to ensure the parts of the teeth and gums that you cannot see are healthy and that no early decay is present.
If you do need treatment, it tends to be much easier, less painful, and less expensive to treat early.
Myth: Some dental conditions, such as bleeding gums from gum disease are completely normal, and visiting the dentist regularly will not stop it.
Fact: While gum disease may be common, it is certainly not what is expected of a normal healthy mouth. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of dental plaque and by not brushing properly. This, and other oral health problems, can be avoided by visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly.
Myth: Maintaining good dental health is really difficult and takes too much effort.
Fact: Maintaining good dental health is not difficult, it can easily be part of your daily routine and takes only a few minutes in the morning and evening to ensure you are caring for your teeth and gums.
It is also important to be pro-active about your oral health, attending regular dental appointments and not just assuming that ‘everything is fine’ will ensure you can easily keep your dental health in top condition.
Myth: Most dental problems go away without any visiting the dentist
Fact: Unfortunately, this is an entirely false statement. If you experience a problem with your teeth or gums, leaving it and hoping that it will just disappear is not helpful. You should arrange a check-up appointment with your dentist to get to the bottom of what is causing your issue and how to fix it. Often when brought to their attention early, problems can be rectified with minimal intervention from your dentist.
If you have been avoiding the dentist for a while, are experiencing dental problems or have a fear of the dentist, please contact us to help you.
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