Here are some common concerns people have about what might happen at the dentist's office.
If you go to the dentist regularly and take good care of your teeth, there will probably be no pain. If this is your first visit in a long time, or you do not take good care of your teeth and gums, there may be some irritation as the dentist cleans the spaces between your teeth and between your teeth and gums.
A filling is a substance that dentists use to replace a decayed or broken portion of a tooth. A filling is often needed to fix a cavity. Whether you need a filling depends on how well you take care of your teeth. If you brush and floss on a regular basis and limit how much sugar you eat, chances are you won't need a filling.
Dental X-rays can identify cavities, bone disease, and infections and help in planning orthodontic treatment. In children, they can also identify when new teeth are coming in. X-rays can help your dentist find problems at an early stage, which can save you time, money, and unneeded pain or discomfort. You and your dentist will set up an X-ray schedule based on your needs.
Many people worry about going to the dentist. You may be very nervous and may actually feel sick to your stomach. Some people become so nervous that they just don't go to the dentist. But this can lead to serious problems, including infected gums and teeth, difficulty chewing, and lack of self-confidence because of bad teeth or bad breath.
To help get over being nervous about the dentist, it is helpful to understand why you may be nervous. Reasons include:
To help feel less nervous about a dental visit, try the following:
Tell your dentist that you are nervous, and try to explain why. This way your dentist can do everything possible to put you at ease.
If you understand the steps of getting a filling, for example, you may feel less nervous about it. Ask your dentist to tell you when they are moving from one step in a procedure to another step.
Early morning, late afternoon, or Saturday may be the best time, as you may not have to worry about missing school or work.
If the sound of a drill bothers you, ask your dentist if they have music and headphones. If not, bring your own audio player and headphones.
As you sit in the chair, try deep breathing or thinking about a favorite activity or place.
If you talk to your dentist and feel that they are not listening or not making an effort to help you feel at ease, try another dentist. Tell your friends about your fears, and ask them about their dentists.
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