People tend to postpone dental procedures for numerous reasons. After all, any work beyond a simple cleaning usually involves at least a couple of injections to numb the treatment area, and fear of dentist needles is common. Some people have had unpleasant dental procedures in the past, or even worse, had rough treatment in conjunction with a poor dentist-patient relationship.
In some cases, the fears associated with dental visits are more akin to phobias, and patients might need pretreatment conditioning to help deal with their anxieties.
Are you struggling with dental phobia? Consider finding a dentist who uses the DentalVibe Comfort Injection System.
However, postponing a dental procedure often leads to further issues. Not only does your oral health deteriorate — which can ultimately lead to serious problems such as tooth loss — but it can also increase your risk of other health problems.
If your dentist has recommended treatment and you’re putting it off — whether due to a dental phobia or another reason — take a look at these reasons not to postpone your dental procedure.
1. Postponing a dental procedure increases the risk of disease
Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health. Those with a history of avoiding the dentist are more likely to develop serious diseases, some of which can develop into life-threatening conditions. If left unchecked, plaque buildup can lead to periodontal diseases like gingivitis. In turn, these diseases can lead to some cancers, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
Several studies have also shown that poor oral health can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
Regular dental visits can help prevent oral health issues that increase the risk of other health problems. If you’ve been putting off a procedure, you owe it to yourself to get any dental issues taken care of as soon as possible.
2. You might have a disease that’s hard to detect
You know when you have a toothache, and you know that something’s wrong when your gums are puffy, inflamed, or even bleeding. But some mouth diseases have symptoms that are harder to pick up on, like leukoplakia, which are thick white patches on your tongue and inside your cheeks or gums. Leukoplakia can be benign, and might not be painful, but it can also be an early sign of oral cancers caused by tobacco use (smoking or chewing). Most oral cancer screenings end up being performed too late, partially because patients haven’t visited their dentist while symptoms were in their early stages.
Other diseases like gingivitis have mild symptoms at times, such as occasionally tender gums or bad breath. These symptoms can be caused by any number of habits or natural body functions, so they’re easy to overlook.
Even if all you need is a regular cleaning, it’s wise to keep your scheduled appointments with your dentist so that they can look for early signs of more serious conditions.
3. The pain of some conditions will get worse
If you’re avoiding the dentist because of your fear, but you have a condition that will cause you more pain over time, you’re going to be caught in a cycle. If cavities and any conditions involving increased sensitivity are left untreated, it won’t matter whether you’re brushing with medicated toothpaste or flossing regularly. Once certain conditions or diseases take hold, you will likely need even more extensive treatment to correct them.
Many people avoid the dentist because they’re convinced that dental procedures will only result in greater discomfort, but by prioritizing your oral health now, you’ll avoid the need for even more treatment in the future.
4. Dental issues can affect your self confidence
Correcting dental issues often works wonders on patients’ mental wellbeing and self-esteem. If you have a missing tooth, getting a tooth replacement option such as a crown or dental implants can help restore your self-confidence in your professional and personal life.
Ask for painless dental injections
Poor oral health should never compromise someone’s quality of life. Yet too many people let their fears compromise their confidence and overall well-being. If you’re avoiding the dentist due to a fear of needles, know that alternatives exist. DentalVibe’s Comfort Injection System offers a painless alternative to ordinary dental injection methods, which helps reduce anxiety and alleviate dental phobias. Patients can now get the treatment they need without any unnecessary pain or discomfort.
If your dentist doesn’t already offer painless injections with the DentalVibe Comfort Injection System, let them know you’re interested. Or visit our directory to find a DentalVibe certified pain free dentist near you!
