Unfortunately for some people, anxiety prevents them from visiting a dentist - even for simple check-ups. Some fear the pain associated sometimes with dentistry, some fear the costs, and still some are embarrassed that they have neglected their mouths for so long. Whatever your anxieties - fear not for these simple exercises will help!

1. TELL US WHAT MAKES YOU ANXIOUS!
   Different things affect different people differently, so talk to us. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care - starting with making you comfortable and gaining your trust.
2. ASK QUESTIONS!
   We can tell ( and show!) you as much or as little as you like. We explain all procedures but we need your questions to address what concerns are most relevant to you. We believe in informed consent for all procedures and love to settle any questions or doubts.
3. EAT A LIGHT MEAL PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
   An empty stomach increases anxiety while a full stomach is relaxing. Avoid coffee, teas or colas also since they are stimulants. A light protein snack can stabilize your blood sugar level and reduce irritability.
4. BRING YOUR OWN HEADPHONES/RADIO
   Music can soothe almost any soul - even in a dental chair. Headphones can also help to muffle the noises that bother some people.
5. LEFT HAND PANIC BUTTON
   During any procedure, we ask you to raise your left hand if at anytime you are uncomfortable. This allows you to have control and allows you to participate in the procedure. (The left hand is raised so as to not hit the dentist, or harm yourself.)

Some or all of these techniques can help relieve your anxieties but still the most important is your relationship with your dentist and his/her staff. Establish a caring, trusting relationship with your dentist and watch your fears melt away.

 

An Ounce of prevention is worth a ton is gold

The new millennium is all about preventing Problems before they arise. People are more aware of the risk factors for heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, etc., and are changing their lifestyles to moderate these risks.

 

Are you aware of the risk factors of dental diseases? How about preventing them? The modifications are easy and as importantly, easy on the bankbooks.

 

Count the cost of routine check-ups

Most patients require check-ups and cleaning twice a year, For an adult, the average cost per visit is approximately $90-120.00(a little more if radiographs need to be taken.) Routine check-ups watch for early signs of gum disease, small cavities, and other potential problems.

 

Check-ups are really inexpensive when you consider that you eat three meals, snack, speak and smile all day long. Think about treating your hard-working teeth for a check-up and a cleaning the next time you treat yourself to a haircut, or a new pair of walking shoes!!

 

Count the cost of waiting until it hurt

The most common reason why people don't schedule regular check-ups is because they don't have any pain or any problems. They will go when it hurts. The truth is, if it hurts, it's usually too late.

 

Most people are not sensitive to cavities, gum disease, or any other oral pathology until it is too far gone. Cavities, for example, may cause a slight sensitivity to hot or cold or sweet foods that is almost unnoticeable on a day to day basis, but can suddenly abscess to a throbbing pain.

 

Compare the cost of a filling a cavity (ranges from $ 60-200.00 depending on the size of the cavity) verses an abscessed tooth that will require root canal therapy, a filling, and a crown to replace lost tooth structure ($ 1500-2000.00) or losing the tooth altogether (priceless). In essence, it costs much more to play the "wait and see" game!!

 

It is estimated that more than half of all adults age 35 and older have early to advanced stages of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease (PD) is the primary cause of lost teeth after the age of 35 - not dental cavities!

 

 

What is periodontal disease ?

Periodontal disease is a chronic gum infection caused by plaque resulting in loss of bone support around the roots of teeth. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque converts to tartar if not cleared form teeth after 24hrs. Tartar irritates gums leaving them red, swollen and bleeding readily.

 

Eventually the gums peel away form teeth and create small pockets between the teeth and gums, slowly continuing to also destroy the supporting bone. Severe loss of the supporting bone is what loosens up teeth and make them incapable of functioning properly. Periodontal disease is often painless and will go undetected until bone loss is so severe that teeth are so loose they need to be extracted.

 

What are the signs ?

Early Stages:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss

• Red, swollen, tender gums

• Gums that have receded or shrunken away from teeth

 

Later Stages:

• Loose teeth, or teeth that have moved, or more spacing between teeth (especially front teeth) resulting in changes in bite or in the fit of dentures

• Foul smell or taste and/or pus that can be expelled when pressing on the gums

 

What can you do ?

The best way to treat periodontal disease is by early detection and prevention. A thorough examination can tell if you are at risk. Once diagnosed with periodontal disease, one must try to prevent further loss of supporting bone and/or other teeth.

 

Treatment usually involves a thorough scaling and root planing to remove plaque and built up tartar, thus allowing healthy gums tissues to reattach to root surfaces of teeth. Clean surfaces of teeth must be maintained by meticulous home oral hygiene and routine check-ups and cleaning. Advances stages of periodontal disease however, may require gum surgery, grafting, and/or extractions.

 

Remember: There is really no cure for this "silent tooth killer"; cleanings can only dramatically slow down the disease process. Only early detection and prevention can make the difference between premature loss of teeth and a full compliment of healthy strong teeth.

 

Dr. Sue-Ann Choo

Online Dentist