Many people experience a paralysing fear of visiting a dentist. However, this is not something that happens only before a potentially painful tooth extracting procedure or gum operation – there are people who are scared from the mere thought of actually stepping foot in a dentist’s office. However, years of avoiding to check the condition of your teeth could result in really bad dental health. So besides the fear, many people also face with the shame of having to show their dentist a mouth full of rotten and decayed teeth.
The first step in all official dental examinations is talking with your dentist. Be open about the state of your teeth and any pre-existing conditions. It is important for him to get a detailed picture of your dental history. Also, this is a good chance to inform him/her about your fear and anxiety. Being aware of this, the dentist will try to relax you in order to perform any procedure that needs to be done. Dentists usually undergo training courses where they gain skills and knowledge on how deal with anxious patients, so don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.
Once your dentist is being introduced to your oral history, he can begin inspecting your teeth. Using a metal probe and a small angled mirror, the dentist will check for tooth decay, gum swelling and any redness that could indicate inflammation or gum disease. He might also find signs of present or future problems that could arise that you aren’t aware of yet and treat them before they get worse. If you are a smoker, having your oral cavity inspected can be essential for early detection and prevention of oral or throat cancer.
Usually, your dentist will suggest that he performs some non-invasive procedures like scaling and polishing, which will improve the look of your teeth. They are not painful nor uncomfortable at all. Scaling is essentially scraping away the accumulated plaque, while polishing smoothens the surface of the teeth. For extra assurance that all is good, you can ask your dentist to perform a dental X-ray. This involves biting into a bit of plastic which takes an x-ray image. An x-ray image can show any irregularities in your bite, the state of your teeth’s roots and any inflammation that might be going on under your gums.
The last step is discussing treatment options with your dentist if there are any potential problems detected. If there aren’t any, then just some advice on how to take care of your pearly whites is all you’ll need before making your way home. Now that you have mustered up the courage and managed to make your appointment, I’m sure you are less scared of undergoing dental examinations. But here’s the real thing you should be afraid of – living in constant tooth pain and having to pull your teeth out before you even get old. So take care of your oral health, it really is a huge wealth!