A trip to the dentist - well worth it!
April 27, 2012
For many, just thinking of going to the dentist conjures up horrible images. However, a trip to the dentist should be made regularly, and of course doing so may well reduce the potential for complications in the future. However, contrary to popular belief, you do not need to see your dentist every 6 months. Rather, your dentist should let you know how often you should be making visits. So it really does not have to be that bad!
Going to the dentist regularly may of course allow you to combat any problems that may be developing, so reducing the need for increased dental work in the future. See, for instance, http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Gum-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx, which explains that whilst a mild case of gum disease is usually treatable simply by good oral hygiene, leaving it untreated could lead to periodontitis or even Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis. These are both severe forms of gum disease which can lead to further problems such as painful sores or unstable teeth.
If, however, you do find that you have an actual phobia of going to the dentist, help is at hand. See http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/dentalhealth/pages/fearofthedentist.aspx which provides some very useful information, including “8 tips to ease dental fear”, such as listening to music during your appointment. It also provides information on the lesser known NHS sedation clinics, which are for the most nervous of dental patients. These offer such procedures as intravenous sedation during treatment.
See http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/dentists/Pages/find-an-NHS-dentist.aspx for more information.