Biggest Fears and Myths About Seeing the Dentist

DentistThere are a lot of common myths and fears that people have about visiting the dentist. Most of these come from common folklore and from exaggerated tales of what patients have experienced. Fortunately, these myths are nowhere near the actual truth of the matter. For the majority of patients, a trip to the dentist is actually quite pleasant and nothing to get excited about. Here are some of the common myths and the truth about them.

A dentist will poke my gums and teeth with sharp objects

The dental tools that we use remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. We operate these tools with great care and most patients never experience any discomfort during the appointment. While we will most likely have to use a pick to scrape off tartar, we will only do so for a couple of minutes at most and will not be irritating at all.

They will use a dental drill on my teeth

We only use dental drills when a patient has a significant amount of tooth decay that we need to remove in order to restore the tooth. The drill may sound alarming but it is actually not. Since we use the drill in such short bursts, the process is over quickly. Some dental offices have even replaced the dental drill with a dental laser.

My teeth are going to be pulled out unnecessarily

This is a big myth and completely false. A dentist will not automatically pull a tooth. On the contrary, a dentist will do whatever is possible to restore a tooth so that it can remain in the mouth. It is best for a person's health to maintain their natural teeth for as long as possible. Thus, dental professionals hope to protect the natural teeth through preventative dental care.

It is only necessary to see a dentist if a tooth hurts or is damaged

Many people make the mistake of thinking that they need to see the dentist if they have a toothache or a cracked or chipped tooth but it is unnecessary otherwise. This is far from the case. Dental care is preventative care. While a dental office is the right place to visit if there is a tooth problem, visiting before one develops is much wiser.

It is possible to prevent many common oral health problems through these regular appointments.

The appointment will be painful

Most people do not experience any pain when visiting the dentist. Routine teeth cleanings are non-invasive and will not cause any irritation at all. If a restoration needs to be completed, a dentist can use sedation in order to help a patient feel calm and remain comfortable. This makes modern dentistry an easy and convenient way to maintain oral health free from dental pain or irritation.

Learn more

Find out about other dental myths and the truth about them by calling and scheduling an appointment.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry Restoration Options To Repair A Damaged Tooth

General dentistry consists of a lot of routine oral health care, which also happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape due to damage. Common damage may include cracks, chips, or cavities, all of which can be addressed with the help of different dental restorations. Continue reading to find out what dental restoration…

Are You Brushing Your Teeth The Right Way?

Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep them healthy. It is an important part of your hygiene routine. It can be the difference between having a bright smile you can be proud of or ugly looking teeth you are reluctant to display.Simply brushing teeth every…

A Guide To Getting A Cleaning From A General Dentist

Cleanings from a general dentist are encouraged once every four to six months. This is a routine visit that does not take long to complete, and it can significantly reduce the risk of dental cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. This guide discusses what you can expect when getting a cleaning from a…

4 Preventive Treatment Options From A General Dentist

A general dentist deals with the diagnosis, management, and treatment of oral health issues. Also, this type of dental professional provides routine care to help patients maintain good dental health. This routine care includes preventive treatments that help guard against the occurrence of cavities, injuries, and infections.Preventive treatments in general dentistry have immense benefits in…


Recent Posts

How Veneers Are Used In Cosmetic Dentsitry

How Veneers Are Used In Cosmetic Dentsitry

Anyone considering dental veneers should understand the details of how they work to help determine if they are candidates. These thin, shell-like pieces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that enhances the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are the various ways that general dentists utilize veneers for their patients.Veneers are thin porcelain shells that a…

General Dentistry Restoration Options To Repair A Damaged Tooth

General Dentistry Restoration Options To Repair A Damaged Tooth

General dentistry consists of a lot of routine oral health care, which also happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape due to damage. Common damage may include cracks, chips, or cavities, all of which can be addressed with the help of different dental restorations. Continue reading to find out what dental restoration…