Don’t Let Fear Keep You from Proper Dental Care
Ever had a bad experience at the dentist? If so, that experience may be keeping you from getting the professional dental care essential to good health. If you’re among the 20% who avoid or delay dentist visits due to dental fears, you’re setting yourself up for serious problems. According to the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, a clinic that specializes in treating children and adults with severe fears, two out of three people develop anxiety based on a prior bad experience. But neglect your dental care, and sooner or later you’ll pay the consequences.
While it’s easy to understand how a negative experience or the sight of sharp dental objects can cause fear in patients, avoiding the dentist is the worst way to deal with it. Not getting regular, professional dental care only increases the chances of tooth decay and other dental problems, which is likely to lead to more time and expense at the dentist’s office.
Fortunately, there are many ways to ease your anxiety. First, a family dentistry expert can explain the procedure or the purpose of certain tools so you know what to expect. Also, you can arrange to signal when you feel uncomfortable during the procedure, which will prompt the dentist to stop his work and give you a brief break.
Since many dentists anticipate a degree of dental anxiety, they have already equipped their offices with features designed to distract patients during procedures. They offer soothing music, access to televisions for watching movies, and hang scenic paintings to help patients relax. In certain circumstances, they are able to prescribe mild sedatives for anxious patients. Be sure to discuss this with your dentist in Maryland prior to your appointment.
Parents with dental fears need to shield their children from their own anxiety so their kids learn to accept dental care as a regular part of a healthy lifestyle. Try to make the dental visit into a positive experience, but let children know that they may feel a little discomfort, but the result will be a healthier and brighter smile.
It’s important to find an affordable dentist who understands the dental fears of patients and the needs of children. Fortunately, you can find a quality, compassionate dentist in Maryland.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Maryland, call Dental One Associates of Maryland today at or make an appointment.
Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Maryland. With 11 affiliated practices throughout Maryland, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Maryland, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Maryland.
