Pros & Cons of the Dentist

Going to the dentist can be a negative experience for many people, despite the obvious health benefits. Some issues are only fears that can easily be dealt with, while other issues are more concrete and may be obstacles to receiving the care you need. Usually the consequences of not receiving dental care are more serious than the ones you face by going to the dentist.

Benefits

• Seeing your dentist is part good basic dental care, which also includes brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and eating a healthy diet. During the exam, your dentist will clean your teeth and examine your gums for inflammation, identify any tooth decay and check your mouth for any other oral health issues. He may also take X-rays of your teeth. Regular visits will not only protect your dental health and find problems early, it will also contribute to your overall health.

Health Risks

• There has been some indication that your risk of a heart attack and stroke may increase for about a month after an invasive dental procedure like an extraction. The theory is that bacteria from an infection may enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation when caught in your blood vessels. The risk is lowered after six months. However there is still no definite link, and doctors do not recommend skipping dental care due to the correlation of heart attacks with dental work.

Costs

• The cost of dental care can often be a negative consequence. Many people don't have dental insurance and have to pay out of pocket, and even when they do have insurance, it may not cover the total cost of more expensive procedures like orthodontics, crowns and root canals. Fortunately, there are other options to make dental care more affordable, like taking advantage of reduced costs at dental schools or using credit programs to pay your balance down monthly. Furthermore, by keeping up with preventative dental care, like cleanings and fillings, you can avoid more expensive procedures later when the problem gets worse.

Pain

• Pain is another common reason people avoid the dentist. Dentists have ways to make you more comfortable during procedures, like local anesthetics injected into the jaw or nitrous oxide delivered through a mask. For more serious procedures, you may be able to use intravenous or general anesthesia. These have higher health risks and require that the patient be monitored in a hospital setting, so dentists tend not to use them for routine procedures like fillings and root canals. Music, hypnosis, acupuncture or relaxation techniques can also help calm your fears about the pain of dental procedures.