1 February 2017AVOIDING THE DENTIST
who isn't?
In our modern day hustle and bustle it is very easy to put things on the back burner, especially if it makes us feel anxious, fearful or could potentially be costly. So many of us have not been to the dentist in years, some of us since childhood! But why? Is the dentist, really, that terrifying? Well, the answer is no. But I’m aware you’ll probably need a bit more convincing than that. So, in this article, I’m going to let you in on what happens in a routine appointment. We can touch on phobias, cost and advanced techniques, as well as few reasons (well, 5) to why it’s actually really important to see your dentist.
Ok, let’s start with dentistry today and what a routine appointment really entails. Dentistry today has come a long way, meaning drill free, needle free, sedation (for exceptionally anxious patients) as well as advanced techniques, meaning pain – free, quick and easy. Dentistry is available on the NHS as well as privately. Which means affordability as well as dental care for everyone.
All dentists are here to help and have a duty in terms of your well – being.
You’ll be happy to know that in a routine appointment, nothing but an evaluation of your teeth and an X –ray, is going to take place. At no point will your dentist suddenly retrieve a pneumatic drill or jab a needle unexpectedly into your mouth, because this would NEVER happen. Partly because it breaks quite a lot of rules and dentists don’t even use pneumatic drills.
If you do have a phobia or are extremely anxious about going to the dentist, do mention this when booking your appointment. Many people are anxious and scared of the dentist and many clinics are very accommodating as well as specialist in dealing with this.
MEDICAL FORM
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time or you are going to a new dentist, it is likely that they will ask you to fill out a medical form. As seeing the dentist is to do with your dental health, which does have an effect on your overall health, it is paramount that your clinic is aware of your medical history.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DENTIST
Once the dentist is ready, you will be shown to your dentist’s suite. Dentists are real people too, and this is probably why they’ll have a chat with you, and ask you nosey questions about how often you brush, floss and indulge in sugary delights. But don’t worry, your dentist isn’t there to judge, its actually just to get a better idea of your dental health and how they can best advise or help you to improve, and that’s only if you need to! Dentists eat sweets too, gasps*
A VISUAL EXAMINATION
The dentist if he or she hasn’t already done so, will ask you to take a seat in his or her chair, remember it’s just a chair. They will talk you through absolutely everything, what they’re looking for and what they are checking. They do have a big light so they can see properly into your mouth, as well as a fun little angled mirror. They also have a tiny little poker thing, which they use just to check for holes and touch gum tissue with, but this is not painful what so ever, again it’s an evaluation; Things they will be looking for are plaque, tartar, decay, cavities, gum inflammation, missing teeth and so on.
X – RAY
If you have not been to the dentist in awhile your dentist will need to take a dental X – ray, as ideally you should have one, once a year. This is to check if there is anything going on under the gum line, which is not visible on the surface of the mouth. All you must do is bite down on a little bit of plastic and it’s similar to photos being taken on either cheek. It’s about as spectacular as a photo being taken on a disposable camera with no flash and is over in 1…2…3.
It’s an x –ray! The x-ray will enable your dentist to get a full examination of things such as the roots of your teeth, your jawbone, as well as wisdom teeth that you may have.
THE VERDICT
It is never too late to see the dentist and you should never be embarrassed about your teeth. Dentists have seen and studied hundreds and even thousands of cases, yours will be no different. Once the examination is complete, your dentist will have a chat with you about the health of your teeth, whether you will need dental treatment to improve the quality of your oral health. For more information see also what happens in a free dental implant assessment consultation.
Your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health. Many studies have proven that there is a link between a person’s overall well- being and the condition of your dental health.
1. TO PREVENT ILLNESS
The condition of your teeth and gums can impact just about every system in your body. Studies have revealed that bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums. This is why there has been a direct link to poor oral health to everything from cardiovascular diseases, respiratory as well as digestive problems. This means that maintaining your oral health can help you maintain good overall health as well. Did you know that diabetes can also have an adverse effect on the health of your gum tissues? Read more here about diabetes and oral health.
2. TO BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM
Bad oral health doesn’t just affect you physically. It can also have an affect on your sense of wellbeing. According to statistics, your smile is one of the first things that another person notices about you. Therefore, it is no surprise that having bad teeth can lower our self-esteem as well as confidence.
3. TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCE OF GUM DISEASE
Gum disease also known as periodontal disease and its milder form known as gingivitis, is an infection or inflammation of the gums. Gum disease if left untreated can cause infection, tissue loss, tooth loss and in severe cases bone loss.
4. TO PREVENT TOOTH LOSS
If you do not look after your oral health and go for regular checks up, you may suffer from premature tooth loss. This can be because, infection, abscesses, tooth decay or gum disease.
5. TO STOP CHRONIC BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)
If you are suffering from an oral disease, infection or poor oral hygiene, the bacterium, which is built up in your mouth, will cause chronic bad breath. This is because as bacteria are living organisms, they feed on sugars, from the food and drink that you consume. When bacteria in a way “eats” it produces an acid, and it’s a bit smelly, and yes more bacteria = worse breath.
So there you have it. Book your dentist appointment today and improve not only your oral health but your overall health too!
The Brighton Implant Clinic was established in 2009, Hove, East Sussex. The award – winning clinic now spans over four sites in Hove, Brighton, Worthing, and Hailsham. Founder and principal dentist Dr Bruno Silva has created a clinic with state of the art facilities and equipment including its own dental laboratory. We provide personalised and affordable dental care, including dental implants and cosmetic dentistry solutions, with additional services such as sedative dentistry. Dr Silva and his team believe a smile is a gift that keeps on giving, confidence in your smile is confidence in you. Their promise is to provide patients with first class dental treatments with first class patient care.