It’s recommended that patients see their dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. During this time, your dental hygienist is able to periodically clean away the plaque and tartar that you missed with your daily oral hygiene routine and your dentist can check for oral health issues so they can be treated before becoming more severe. The problem is that many people don’t attend their regular appointments as often as they should. Here are some reasons why.
No Pain or Discomfort
Even if you aren’t in any pain or discomfort, you shouldn’t be skipping your regular cleanings and checkups. It may seem that everything is okay with your smile, but some small issues are difficult to detect without the help of a dentist. By tackling them now, you can avoid painful, costly dental emergencies from developing in the future.
Forgetfulness
With such a busy life and so many things to get done, scheduling a dental visit isn’t always at the top of your priority list, so it can be easy to forget. A simple solution is to give yourself a text reminder. If you have an appointment coming up, set up a reminder to alert you a week or so before your appointment so it’s fresh on your mind. Before you leave the dental office, don’t forget to schedule your next visit.
Shame
If you haven’t been to the dentist for a long time, you may be feeling embarrassed. Shame is a common reason why people are uncomfortable going to the dentist. As much as you may think it is, it is extremely unlikely that your oral health is the worst that the dentist has ever seen. They have taken care of countless smiles throughout the years. Even if your smile has seen better days, the dental team won’t laugh or say anything rude. The practice is a judgment-free zone, and your oral health is the number one priority!
Fear
Dental anxiety is very common. Whether you are uncomfortable with the idea of dental tools in your mouth or you had a negative experience as a child, by expressing your concerns with the dental team, you can work to create a dental environment that makes you feel more comfortable. There are even sedation options, like oral conscious sedation, that can help you to receive dental treatment in a more relaxed state.
Financial Concerns
Cost is a frequent concern of patients when it comes to dental treatment. Before your appointment, ask if your dentist is in-network with your insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, ask the team if they have a membership plan, specials, or flexible financing options. Fear of cost shouldn’t be a reason to avoid essential dental care.
Don’t skip your dental visits. You could end up with serious problems in the future. By working with your dental team, these shouldn’t be excuses any longer!
About the Practice
At Painted Skies Dental Center, you have two skilled dentists providing high quality dental care to their patients in Las Cruces. Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz has spent much of his time furthering his education and enjoys volunteering as a mentor at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz earned her DDS from Creighton University School of Dentistry and has attended a variety of prestigious continuing education courses. For more information or to schedule your next appointment, visit their website or call (575) 521-8720.