If you’re ready to overcome dental anxiety, read this guide from Chestnut Dental in Massachusetts.
What Are Common Reasons People Avoid The Dentist?
It’s not uncommon for people to put off making visits to their dentist. The different causes for dental anxiety have been well-researched, including fear of pain, bad experiences with their previous dentist, generalized anxiety disorder, fear of needles and drilling, and fear of the side effects of anesthesia or the concern that anesthesia may not work properly.
At Chestnut Dental, we pride ourselves on being the right choice for decades of pediatrics patients. We build lasting trust with our patients, and continue to treat our pediatric patients even as they grow up into adults with families of their own. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Massachusetts area, come see why families have picked Chestnut Dental for generations. As part of our dedicated to patient care, read on for some generalized tips that can be helpful for dealing with dental anxiety.
How Can I Make My Trip To The Dentist More Comfortable?
- Bring a friend or family member to keep you company.
- Listen to music or watch videos on your phone while you wait
- Although promptness for your appointment can help the dentist’s office run smoothly, don’t feel pressured to get to the office extremely early. This way, you won’t need to stay in the waiting area for longer than necessary.
- Choose the right dentist for you–and let them know about your dental anxiety. At Chestnut Dental, our decades of experience with pediatric and adult patients alike make us confident we are the best choice for any new patients that need extra care and comfort.
- Don’t be afraid to let your dentist know if you have questions or if you feel any discomfort. The right dentist will be patient and want you to feel informed and comfortable.
What Are The Risks Of Avoiding Regular Dentist’s Appointments?
Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist twice a year (or once every 6 months)? Visiting the dentist and taking preventive care is essential to your oral and overall well-being.
The truth of the matter is that ignoring recommended treatments due to dental phobia can lead to a wide range of adverse outcomes. These can be as superficial as stained teeth, to more serious issues such as gum recession, cavities, and even tooth loss.
Moreover, not being examined may mean that underlying conditions, such as TMJ, sleep apnea, and even oral cancer, remain undetected or untreated. While dental anxiety is understandable, the serious toll on both your oral and overall health that comes with putting off dental care simply is not worth the risk.
How Do People Benefit From Professional Cleanings And Check-Ups From Their Dentist?
Even if you are not experiencing any toothaches, it is highly recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year. Not only will your dentist be able to solve any dental health issues, but they can also help to prevent them. Regular professional cleanings and check-up exams are the best way to prevent any serious issues or to detect them early on.
A professional dental clean is essential for removing hardened tartar buildup above and below the gumline. This is key to avoiding the development of gingivitis into more serious periodontitis. Additionally, dentists are able to detect cavities in the early stages, before the infection has the chance to spread further into the tooth.
How Is Chestnut Dental Such A Good Choice For Both Pediatric And Adult Patients?
Chestnut Dental was established in 1970 as a private practice specializing in pediatric dentistry. Our three founding dentists, Drs. Shusterman, Needleman, and Hertzberg were committed to combining teaching, research, and administration at Children’s Hospital and Harvard School of Dental Medicine with their private practice.
As a result, they were able to train many talented young dentists, and some of the best students were invited to join Chestnut Dental. As a result of this connection, the majority of doctors at Chestnut Dental have been trained at Harvard, and the relationship between Children’s Hospital, Harvard Dental, and Chestnut Dental remains close to this day.
As the pediatric patients we had treated for years grew up, our team at Chestnut Dental recognized the need to expand our practice to include general dentists in order to provide care for our adult patients. This addition enabled us to provide comprehensive, coordinated dental care for patients of all ages, just as our founding trio had envisioned when they founded the practice over 40 years ago. Even now, each office remains committed to offering care from pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and general dentists alike.
Chestnut Dental Is The Best Choice For People With Dental Anxiety
For all your dentistry needs, Chestnut Dental is proud to offer three locations to serve patients all over Massachusetts. With over 5 decades of experience refining the Chestnut Dental coordinated care model and offices open on Saturdays and during the evening, Chestnut Dental is ready for all your cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry needs. If you are interested in improving your smile and self-esteem, get in touch with our experts in Bedford, Needham, or Franklin today.
