What Should You Do If You Haven’t Seen A Dentist In Years?
Seeing the dentist is one of the most important elements of on-going oral health. For one reason or another, an adult might find themselves going years without getting an exam and cleaning. So what should you do if you haven’t seen the dentist in years? Well the short answer is simply, make a dental appointment. But the longer answer, is that it might be helpful to figure why you haven’t been to the dentist, how you can find the right dentist to solve any dental problems you might have, and how to prepare for that first dental visit. In this article, we will cover each of these topics. For modern dentistry in Massachusetts, contact our three offices at Varinos Dental Associates.
Is It Normal To Skip The Dentist As An Adult?
Unfortunately, it is very normal to skip the dentist. There are many reasons an adult might skip the dentist. Maybe they had bad experiences as a kid that have left them with lifelong dental anxiety. Maybe they are concerned about paying for their dental visit and potential restorative care. Or maybe, as a kid they never really had any issues so they think they might not need to see a dentist anymore until there is a specific problem. Let’s address each of these on their own.
Dental Anxiety
We understand that many patients regardless of age have issues with seeing a dentist. Dental visits can cause stress and discomfort. That is why we are a dental office that provides not only a calm and comfortable environment, but sedation dentistry as well. Problems can compound over time. Fear of the dentist, can keep you from getting preventative treatment, which can lead to problems worsening, which can lead to a vicious cycle. If you are worried that you will need major work done, you might want to look into sedation dentistry.
Paying For The Dentist
Paying for your dental treatments can be a big reason people might avoid their dentist. It is important to look into payment options that are available. For example, while many dentists take dental insurance, if you don’t have insurance you aren’t necessarily out of luck. Dental offices will often have other methods for paying including payment plans, financing options, or similar solutions. If you need help getting dental treatments and paying for them, you should contact a dentist that can help answer your questions or help you find the right dentist near you.
No Dental Issues
Unfortunately for us, our teeth are bad at signaling when there are problems. The nerves for our teeth are deep inside, so you likely won’t notice issues. Issues can also happen frequently in hard to see places like under the gums or between teeth. While you might think there are no issues, decay and cavities can form and spread for years unchecked. By the time you are aware of the problem, it has probably been issue for a while. This is why we recommend routine check-ups in the first place. Six month check-ups prevent problems from progressing by addressing them routinely.
How Do You Pick The Right Dentist If You Haven't Seen A Dentist In Years?
Depending on your situation, you will want to make sure you find a dentist that can best address the reasons you stopped going, and help you improve and maintain your oral health. If you know that you need major work including fillings, root canals, and tooth replacement treatments, you should look for a dental office that provides full mouth reconstruction treatments. Moreover, if you know that part of the reason you avoid the dentist is because you are uncomfortable in a dentist’s chair, you should look for dentists that provide services that can help increase your comfort like sedation dentistry. Additionally, if you are aware of specific treatments you will need like dental crowns or implants, you should make sure the dentist you are going to provides those treatments.
How Should You Prepare For Your First Dental Check-Up After Years
A common misconception is that you need to prepare for your first dental visit after years of not seeing the dentist. This isn’t true. It is better to see a dentist sooner rather than trying to prepare at home for days or weeks. Of course, it can be helpful to make sure you are brushing and flossing before you go, you shouldn’t delay in seeing the dentist. Keep up a regular dental routine between when you make your appointment and when you see your dentist.
Schedule Dental Appointments in Massachusetts
We have three offices throughout Massachusetts including in Newburyport, Winthrop, and Peabody. If you are interested in booking a dental appointment, please contact our team.
