How much stress do you feel prior to a dental visit?
While a small degree of anxiety is common, some people view the dentist as so stressful that they avoid it like the plague. This may give them the temporary relief of avoiding anxiety, but in the long term, ignoring dental appointments is a recipe for disaster. Discover why the dental treatments you need really aren’t as demanding as most people think, and find out how to minimize this stress in the future.
Going to the Dentist? Why So Anxious?
When you think of a trip to the dental office, what exactly is it about the experience that’s so stressful? Is it the fact that you’re in a vulnerable position and don’t have much power over the experience, or that you must leave your mouth open for an extended period of time? Here are some common reasons why people get stressed about their dental visits.
- People worry about not knowing what’s going to happen.
- Some are concerned about the physical pain from their cleanings or treatment.
- If dental care hasn’t been consistent, they may fear what the dentist will say.
- The vulnerable position is scary to some patients who feel helpless in the chair.
- Adult patients may fear being told they need expensive treatments.
- The noises and ambiance may trigger fear in some people.
As you can see, there are a wide range of reasons why patients worry so much over their dental visits. However, if they compare these symptoms to the problems that come from years of dental neglect, then it’s clear that acting sooner rather than later is the optimal strategy.
Not Even Major Treatments Are Stressful
Sometimes it’s necessary to get a treatment that goes above and beyond a basic dental cleaning. These treatments may realign your teeth like Invisalign, or replace missing ones as in the case with dental implants. While some of these procedures do require responsibility and effort on your part, they don’t have to be difficult overall. Explore three of the most popular major treatments you get at the dentist and find out why none of them have to be so nerve-racking.
See Why Invisalign is a Non-Stressful Procedure
If you have crooked teeth, you may not be as confident in your smile as you used to be, and you may even run into problems with your bite. The most popular treatment for straightening out your teeth is Invisalign, and you may be glad to know that it’s an extremely low-pressure procedure.
The Consultation Will Put Your Mind at Ease
For those considering Invisalign, the very first step in the process is likely to put your mind at ease. That first step is a consultation with a qualified dentist who specializes in providing the Invisalign treatment, such as Dr. Stephen Grussmark from Miami. During this consultation, you’ll be able to express your concerns and ask the questions you have regarding the procedure.
Once you leave your consultation, you’ll have a comprehensive idea about the process and what to expect. The remaining steps involve having an impression taken, receiving your first set of aligners, and some mild discomfort as you adapt to the Invisalign experience. Ultimately, the Invisalign process contains little to no pain, only tightness, as you adapt to your new aligner.
Treating Your Sleep Apnea Can Be Low Stress as Well
Sleep apnea affects an alarming number of people, and more often than not, it goes untreated. Characterized by feelings of fatigue and wild mood swings, sleep apnea can pose a very real threat to your health and relationships. Many are content to pass off their loud snoring as normal, but until you’ve gone to a sleep specialist for treatment, there’s always a possibility that the result can be a disorder like sleep apnea.
Oral Appliances Make Sleep Apnea Treatment a Breeze
Roughly the size of a retainer, oral appliances are available for minimizing the symptoms of sleep apnea. Unlike the more aggressive and less comforting CPAP, oral appliances perform one simple task to open your airway. The approach may be to press your tongue down, or perhaps they’ll move your jaw forward a bit, but the goal is the same: To give you a better night’s sleep.
Rather than endure more sleepless nights and tired mornings, it’s far better to seek treatment as soon as possible. Start by finding a dentist who specializes in sleep therapy, like Dr. Nicholas Sager in Waco, TX. By seeking out treatment from an experienced sleep specialist, you can receive an oral appliance that helps you rest throughout the night. And there’s nothing stressful about the process or wearing oral appliances at all.
Restoring Your Teeth With Dental Implants – A Painless Procedure
There’s no doubt about it – replacing your teeth with dental implants takes months and you must be dedicated to the end goal to continue the treatment. However, it’s important to note that living with missing teeth leads to far more dangerous consequences than getting dental implants. With little to no pain involved and just two simple surgeries, even one of the most elaborate procedures in dentistry can be an easy, less intense experience.
Dental Implants Can Vastly Improve Your Life
If you’ve been living with missing teeth and are apprehensive about replacing them with dental implants, it’s important to know that life is far more stressful without them. When you have empty gaps in your mouth, your remaining teeth may crowd together, and you’ll be more vulnerable to problems like gum disease and infection.
You may reach a point where you’re tired of the problems that stem from living with missing teeth. If you do, dental implants are the gold standard in restoring your smile. While not entirely stress-free, there is little to no pain in the process and in the end, you’ll smile with more confidence than ever before. Ready to start your implant journey? Simply find a specialist like Dr. Chuck Bauer in Hastings, NE and schedule a consultation to get started.
Avoidance is Not a Strategy for a Pain-free Life
Very often in life, ignoring our problems doesn’t make them go away – it makes them worse. This is especially true for dental problems. Choosing to avoid treatment when you’re suffering from a small issue will lead to far more stressful situations in the future. If you’re tired of letting your dental health slip away in favor of a stress-free life, we invite you to get the treatment you need – a higher level of quality of life awaits.