Dr. Julia Williamson explains why you shouldn't feel anxious when going to the dentist.
A trip to the dentist is an appointment we've all dreaded or maybe even avoided at some point in our lives. But it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Julia Williamson joins us to discuss why you shouldn't let anxiety get in the way when it comes time for that all-important dental appointment.
“"“We will only mill as much as is absolutely necessary..".”
A lot of patients today are still apprehensive about going to the dentist. The industry has evolved quite drastically over the last 20-30 years. Nowadays, dentistry in the UK is more focused on minimally invasive treatments. This means that we are more reluctant to pick up a drill that could damage your natural teeth. If it is unavoidable, we will only drill as much as is absolutely necessary. This allows us to be more conservative and preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Years ago, a tooth that was doomed to extraction and was going to be replaced with a silver filling can now be saved with a much smaller white filling. These advances also contribute to improving the appearance of patients. For example, converting from silver fillings to white fillings can be a pleasant experience for patients to see the difference in their appearance, and as a result, patient satisfaction has increased over time.
I believe that dentistry should be a painless process for patients. There is often a workaround to avoid anything that may cause any form of pain or discomfort. For example, if you don't like injections, We may apply a topical anesthetic cream beforehand to reduce any sensitivity you may feel. If necessary, you can find a “friendly” dentist who will be gentler and more comfortable with you. You can always ask around for recommendations, as some dentists are especially good with patients who are nervous. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll likely have that dentist for life. If you’re still hesitant about approaching your dentist, go to an office that a family member has visited before. They should be able to help you gauge whether a particular dentist is right for you. Remember, when a dentist sees you for the first time, they’re looking for ways to keep you as a returning patient. It also makes their job easier to have a calm and relaxed patient in the chair, rather than one who’s feeling restless and anxious. So, it’s in your dentist’s best interest to be gentle and treat you with care, as best they can.
If you haven't been to the dentist in years because you're nervous about what your dentist might find or what they might recommend next, remember that it's just a checkup at first. It will often take 10 to 15 minutes, and they won't force you to take any treatment. They'll likely take some x-rays and go over all of your options before coming up with a treatment plan.
The final decision is entirely yours.. It can also help you think about the consequences you may face in the future and the possibility of damage to your teeth if you postpone checkups or treatments.
Source: enlightensmiles.com
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