Going back to the dentist after a long period of avoiding appointments can be a daunting experience.

 

Everyone has their own reasons for not going to the dentist – some people have dental phobia and are scared of the dentist, some people don’t feel the need to visit the dentist unless they feel pain and others avoid the dentist because of previous bad experiences.

Here’s what you need to know about going back to the dentist after a break.

Your dentist won’t be angry.

Some patients believe that their dentist will be angry or treat them differently because they have missed appointments. This is not the case. Your dentist is there to check up on your oral health and provide you with treatment and care information. They won’t patronise you but they will reinforce to you the importance of having a good dental hygiene routine.

 

 

Honesty is the best policy.

If you’ve felt any pain or discomfort during the time that you didn’t visit the dentist, it’s a good idea to tell your dentist. Even if the pain isn’t there anymore or is only occasional, it still could be worthwhile mentioning it. What might seem insignificant to you, could be signs of This will identify any problem areas that they will examine specifically to see if they can do anything about it.

 

 

If you feel anxious, speak to your dentist beforehand.

It’s a good idea to discuss with your dentist that you’re feeling anxious. Dentist are trained to deal with nervous and phobic patients. Your dentist will help you to iron-out any concerns you have about your dental health and treatment. Many practices offer dental hypnosis and relaxation therapies to nervous and phobic patients. If you think this could benefit you, speak to your dentist and see if this is something they can provide to you.

 

 

Book your next check-up after your initial check-up.

Start as you mean to go on. If your dentist recommends that you visit again for specific treatment such as fillings or tooth extraction, or simply wants to see you again in 6 months for a routine check-up, book the appointment before you leave the practice. When you book it after your initial check-up, there is no temptation to avoid making another one.

We can help you.

If you’re considering going back to the dentist after a long time, we can help you. On our website www.defactodentists.com, we have a whole host of dental practices in the UK that are waiting to help you. All you have to do is enter your location and browse your options. Get to know the practice teams and have a look at the treatments on offer, then simply pick the one that suits you best.