For many people, a trip to the dentist can be intimidating. You could be worried that you’ll have a cavity, or you may feel anxious that you’ll have to have a painful procedure. Whatever the case, it’s usually the unknown that upsets you the most. Whether you’re dealing with a simple case of pre-dentist jitters or full-blown dentophobia, our team at Boger Dental is here to help put your mind at ease. Here are our best tips for overcoming dental fear, so you can get the care you deserve and feel comfortable while you’re at our office.
Learn What to Expect From Your Next Appointment
Fear of the unknown is usually the biggest obstacle for patients seeking dental care. The best way to combat that fear, however, is to learn what you can expect from your first appointment with one of our dentists.
When you arrive at our office, our team will greet you and show you around the office. You’ll fill out your paperwork in the waiting room – so be sure to have your insurance card and family medical history at the ready! Or you can fill out your paperwork online ahead of time.
Next, you’ll meet with one of our dental hygienists who will take X-rays for your dentist to review and clean your teeth. You’ll get the works: flossing and fluoride treatment, all in one! When your cleaning is over, you’ll meet with your dentist to discuss your X-rays and potential treatment plan.
Trust us, the only thing you have to fear here is an awkward conversation while we’re flossing your teeth – and we’ll try to keep that to a minimum, too.
Bring A Friend To Your Appointment
Sometimes, you just need a buddy to sit with you through the process, and that’s okay! If you’re scared of visiting the dentist, try asking a friend or family member to join you for your appointment so you’ll have the comfort of a friendly face the entire time. Having a supportive friend with you can make you feel more relaxed, safe, and comfortable, so you can take on your dental fears with ease!
Ask Questions
When it comes to dental fear, our team at Boger Dental always circles back around to the fear of the unknown. Be sure to tell your dentist that you’re anxious about receiving dental care and ask as many questions as you need to during your visit so that you feel comfortable with the process. Sometimes just knowing what the next step is is enough to put you at ease, and our dentists at Boger Dental are always happy to accommodate those needs.
You deserve to know what’s going on while you’re in the dental chair – don’t be afraid to ask!
Choose The Right Dentist
Not all dental offices have the same environment, so you may need to shop around to find a team you feel really comfortable with. Dental care is a lifelong commitment – you’ll always have to take care of your teeth – so be sure to choose a dentist that makes you feel confident during treatment.
Before setting up your first appointment, call or visit the dentist’s website to learn more about their background and experience. Read reviews online to find out what other patients are saying about the office.
At Boger Dental, your experience matters. Our doctors – Dr. Boger, Dr. Madden, Dr. Scherweit, Dr. Betterman, Dr. Groth, and Dr. Trapp – take the time to get to know the needs of each of our patients, so you can feel comfortable knowing we have your back. With years of experience working with patients who are anxious in the dental chair, we know how to take a sensitive approach to treatment that makes you feel safe and cared for.
Learn About Modern Approaches To Dentistry
Modern advancements in dentistry have improved the patient process in many ways over the past few decades. We’ve come a long way toward making your treatment more comfortable than ever. If you’re worried about experiencing pain while at the dentist, worry no more. Modern dental approaches are far less invasive, and even if you need additional or more extensive treatment, you’ll have time to process the information and decide which treatment method is right for you.
How Dental Anxiety Can Harm Your Health
We know that a trip to the dentist can feel scary for many patients, but for the team at Boger Dental, the scariest part is the health impact of skipping your regular cleaning. Studies have shown that between 30 and 40 million people skip their dental visits due to dentophobia each year. Unfortunately, those patients could harm their overall health in the long run.
Preventative care is a huge part of our job at Boger Dental. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, getting regular checkups, and getting a fluoride treatment are all ways you can ensure your teeth stay safe, so you don’t need additional dental care in the future. However, without regular checkups, you run the risk of developing issues like:
- Cavities
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Loss
- Gum Disease or Recession
- Stained or Broken Teeth
The best way to prevent these issues from forming is to use our tips for overcoming dental fear and visiting the Boger Dental team on a regular basis. Your oral health impacts your overall health in many ways – visiting the dentist is your frontline of defense against other health issues!
Boger Dental: Enhancing Your Smile + Your Life
Our dentists are trained experts in dental care. With 45 years of experience in the field, we’re proud to make Plymouth smile. We care for every kind of dental need, including cosmetic, restorative, or general dentistry. If you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, contact our office today!