22 Jun Don’t Be Afraid to Go to the Dentist! It’s Probably Not As Bad As You Think
Our imaginations are really good at inventing worst-case scenarios. You feel a twinge of tooth sensitivity and immediately imagine you need a root canal. You walk into the dentist’s office, bracing yourself for devastating news, only to find out that it was nothing but a small cavity all along.
Two out of three people report being afraid to go to the dentist, and it’s often because they’re dreading what they might hear. But most of the time, it’s not as bad as they feared.
Why You Need to Go to the Dentist Twice a Year
Most dental problems are easily treated when they’re detected in time. But putting off your appointments because of worry or embarrassment is what turns a small problem into a big one.
It’s a proven fact that people who visit the dentist twice a year experience significantly less tooth decay and better oral health. That’s because they’re getting professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup and because they’re getting regular exams that make it easy to spot any changes in their oral health.
Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?
“It’s going to hurt.”
“They’re going to judge me.”
“I can’t afford any treatments.”
“I haven’t been in years. It will be awful.”
Do any of these worries sound familiar? If so, let us put your mind at ease. First of all, nothing is going to hurt. Dental cleanings and exams are painless, and if you need to come back for treatment, we will numb your mouth so you don’t feel a thing.
And we would never judge you. No matter how long it’s been or what condition your teeth are in, we’re just glad you came in! We have seen every situation imaginable, and our only goal is always to help you get to a healthier place. If you need treatment, we will walk you through your options, explain the costs, and discuss payment or financing.
For Our Patients Who Struggle with Anxiety
If your fear goes beyond a little nervousness, you are not alone in that either. We have helped many of our patients work through dental anxiety, and we will meet you exactly where you are. That might mean taking things slower and explaining every step, or discussing mild sedatives and other comfort options.
What to Expect When You Come Back
If you have been avoiding the dentist for a while, don’t worry! There won’t be any lectures waiting for you, only smiles. Our practice has been serving the Sun Lakes community since 1991, and the reason our patients keep coming back is that they feel genuinely cared for.
Most of our appointments end with patients saying, “That was so much better than I expected.” We would love for you to have that experience, too! Make an appointment at Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates today.
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/30/26.