The Truth That Dentists Want You To Know

Dentists are feared and fairly despised by most people. Who enjoys having their teeth scraped, gums poked and prodded, or worse yet, facing that dreadful sound of the drill? But while you may never enjoy your regular teeth cleaning and check-up visits, that doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether or believe many of the myths that surround the dental chair. Too often we believe the hearsay or buy into other people’s exaggerated experiences. We think dentists just cause pain, embarrassment, and then hand us a huge bill for our suffering. The truth about the industry is far different from these warped perceptions.

They’ve Seen Worse

There are plenty of people who admit to wincing at the sight of a polished chrome tray filled with dentist’s equipment, but few will readily say they are embarrassed to open their mouth to a stranger. People are sometimes afraid that if they haven’t been the most diligent of brushers the dentist might embarrass them through mockery or verbal attacks. Any professional would never judge a patient for the condition of their teeth. They will, however, need to ask you to explain your hygiene routine or personal habits that may have contributed to tooth decay or other problems you are exhibiting. A dentist will give you advice to better your health in the future, but certainly won’t berate you for your past problems. They aren’t your parents, after all. And always remember that no matter how bad you think your problem is, there is a high likelihood that they have seen far, far worse.

They Will Hurt You

A large portion of pain has more to do with our anticipation than the actual feeling itself. It would be delusional to think that if you do need to have a procedure performed such as a root canal that you wouldn’t feel a thing. However, it is just as exaggerated to think that it will be the worst pain of your life. Dentists try to minimize pain during procedures as much as possible through use of medication and anesthetics. Risks and complications have also been reduced thanks to better technology and techniques that are employed today. Most adults are surprised by how far the profession has come since their younger years. Do you really think dental professionals want to be working on a screaming, hysterical patient for an hour? The easier it is for you, the easier it will be for them as well.

They are Unaffordable

If you’re like most Americans, you probably have minimal or even no health coverage, let alone dental insurance. Fortunately, dentists run a business and can be more understanding than you think when it comes to financial situations. Many offices will work with you to make a reasonable payment plan and can offer solutions to help you afford necessary procedures for you or your family. The key is honest communication. If you can’t make a payment or think one is just unaffordable, be upfront and discuss possible solutions. If you’re a bit braver and really want to save, consider visiting a local dental school and having a student work on you under the supervision of trained dentists.