Overcoming Fear of Visiting the Dentist
If visiting the dentist fills you with dread, you’re certainly not alone. Statistics show that 1 in 4 people are affected by dental phobia.
A good dentist will understand these fears. However, many practices have procedures in place to minimise patient stress.
Karen Coates, a dental adviser at the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), says:
“Many People have such bad dental phobia that they haven’t seen a dentist for years. We commonly hear from someone in their twenties or thirties or older who hasn’t been to the dentist since childhood.”
She says that “most people who are scared of the dentist have bad memories from childhood of the smells and sounds of the surgery,” but adds that these days, it’s “altogether a gentler experience… Even drills aren’t as noisy as they used to be.”
How has technology helped to hide this fear?
Technological advances have improved the patient experience in several ways – anaesthetics can now be delivered without any pain, and sedation is also an option for nervous patients.
If you want to discuss your fears or have questions about a particular dental treatment, call the BDHF’s dental helpline on 0845 063 1188.
They can advise you on meditation, breathing techniques, and other ways of relaxing and dealing with your fear.
Dental practices that offer treatments for anxious patients
Cap City Dental in the City of London is famous for treating patients with dental anxiety since the 1980s.
Complimentary services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lunch in Relaxation Lounge
- Soothing Music
- Hand Treatments
Why should you get your missing teeth replaced?
There are many reasons for people losing teeth. A one-time accident may damage or dislodge a tooth, requiring it to be removed. Additionally, Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss, in many cases, more so than tooth decay itself. Wear and tear over the years can weaken teeth, resulting in a higher level of tooth loss among older individuals.
It is essential to replace missing teeth to preserve the functionality of your mouth and allow you to chew food easily. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, there is a chance your cheeks may begin to sag inwards and make you appear older than you are. Receding gums is also a common sign that teeth could start to feel loose. More. Sagging or hollow cheeks cause a severe lack of confidence in your image or appearance, and missing several teeth can damage your self-esteem and make you feel ashamed about smiling and even talking.
Implants like All-on-4™ are increasingly preferred over removable dentures because they are a permanent solution to tooth loss. The titanium implants fuse with the jawbone for enduring stability, eliminating the need to worry about dentures slipping or requiring replacement.