If you haven’t visited a dentist in San Antonio in a long time, you may have forgotten that they recommend dental checkups every six months. Routine exams and cleanings are an essential part of your long-term oral health, so it’s important to stay on top of them to reduce your risk of dental disease. Unfortunately, there are many reasons people avoid the dentist entirely. In this blog, you may find that you have used one of them recently! Read on to hear not only what they are, but how to overcome them.
“I’m Scared” or “I Have Dental Phobia.”
Whether you had a bad experience as a child or an adult, getting a dental checkup can be quite difficult after the fact. Perhaps you didn’t have a bad experience and only heard stories from friends and family members who had a poor dentist and that’s what kept you from visiting. Alternatively, maybe you don’t enjoy the sensation of dental instruments inside your mouth.
In either case, the best thing you can do is make sure you feel comfortable with the dentist treating you. Before getting any treatment, try to reach out to the dentist and let them know you’re nervous. Listening to how they respond will let you know if they are the right fit for you. Do your best to build a relationship with them based on trust and communication. Make sure they are willing to speak with you one-on-one and listen to your concerns directly rather than brush them off.
The good news is most dentists, especially in smaller and locally-owned offices, are prepared to be patient with you as you get used to visiting again.
“I Can’t Afford a Dental Checkup.”
If you don’t have dental insurance, you may find dental treatments to be too expensive to fit into your budget. Even if you do have benefits, you may find your costs to be too high regardless.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that routine checkups are key to not just removing plaque and tartar, but reducing your risk for experiencing dental emergencies later. Plus, many dental offices provide alternative financing options to make care more affordable. This includes third-party payment plans and in-house memberships, both of which are becoming more common.
“I’m Ashamed of My Teeth.”
If you’re embarrassed that the dentist will judge or shame you for your smile, understand that this is not something that should be accepted from a professional. While no one is perfect and everyone forgets to brush or floss every once in a while, it’s not an excuse for a dentist to bully or lecture you about your oral health. Dentists are there to help you improve your smile and oral health, period.
When looking for a dentist, feel free to tell them about these concerns ahead of your first appointment with them to get a better read on their personality. Once you do, you’ll have a clearer expectation before your first official checkup at their practice.
Dentists are meant to be your partner in providing preventive dentistry and removing dental fear. By talking to and being honest about how you feel with the dentist upfront, they’ll help you realize that you had nothing to fear!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice’s practice is locally-owned and operated, meaning you can expect an office that is slower paced, homey, and personable, rather than cold and clinical. Whether you need a basic checkup or complex treatments, he can’t wait to get to know you and your interests outside the office and remove any fears or concerns you may have. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.