subject: Getting The Most Out Of Your Dental Visits- Communication Is Key! [print this page] To make sure you maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss every day and visit your dentist for regular cleanings twice per year. However, this is sometimes not enough if you are not properly communicating with your dentist during your appointments. Good dentist-patient communication can help with dental anxiety, allow you to better understand your treatment options and help provide the best possible outcome for cosmetic procedures. Next time you see your dentist, make sure and ask yourself if you are communicating effectively.
Dental Anxiety
An incredibly large proportion of the population in the United States suffers from some form of dental anxiety. If you feel afraid when faced with seeing your dentist and let that fear keep you from scheduling an appointment, you probably are suffering from dental anxiety. Many people report that one of the main reasons they are afraid is that they do not know what is going on during their appointments and they are constantly afraid of what will happen. To help alleviate these fears, it is critically important for you to be open and honest with your dentist about the anxiety you are feeling. If your dentist is aware of it, he or she can offer specific treatment designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible. However, if your dentist is not aware that you are feeling anxious, you will continue in the same pattern of anxiety that you are stuck in. In addition, by explaining exactly what he or she is doing during your appointment, your dentist will be able to make you aware of what to expect, lessening your anxiety.
Telling Your Dentist What Is Wrong
Although your dentist is responsible for cleaning your teeth and giving you a check up during your appointment, it is your responsibility to effectively communicate any pain you are feeling to your dentist. Many people just sit down in the dental chair and tune out while their dentist works on their teeth. It is important for both dentist and patient to be actively engaged in the process of maintaining your oral health and communication is an important aspect of that. Not mentioning pain to your dentist because you are afraid that you will need a root canal procedure will only make the problem worse and will leave you feeling regretful later.
Communication between a patient and his or her dentist is one of the most important factors in choosing a dentist that works well with you. If you feel your dentist does not effectively listen to you then it may be time to find a new dentist. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact your Delaware dentist today.
