On a scale of 1-10, how severe is your anxiety about visiting the dentist? For about 40 million Americans, dental anxiety is so serious that it keeps them from going to the dentist altogether. Avoiding the dentist has dire consequences for your health and can seriously ruin your smile, so confronting this fear and gaining control over your oral health is of paramount importance.
While dental phobia may seem like it’s in the person’s head, ultimately it’s not a disorder to take lightly. In some patients, the symptoms are so severe that they become physically ill at the prospect of visiting their dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. This has directly has an impact on an individual’s oral health and prevents patients from getting the necessary cleanings and more complex procedures needed to maintain a healthy smile. If there are more serious underlying issues, missing out on these necessary appointments puts patients at risk of declining oral health.
Skipping dental appointments may not seem like a big deal at the time, but if you’re missing appointments you’re essentially gambling with your oral health. Here are some of the most crucial services provided by the dentist, and the consequences for missing them:
Without dental hygienists to look at every tooth in your mouth from various angles, you won’t know what ailments may be sabotaging your oral care. Dentists and dental hygienists use tools that are designed to reach the hard to reach parts of your mouth, so without dental visits, many parts of your mouth will be neglected.
Oral cancer kills thousands of people each year, and the reason is that it’s often caught too late. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable, providing patients with a higher chance of survival. In order to make this early diagnosis, it’s critical that individuals of all ages visit our Bingham Farms dentist for routine oral cancer screenings. During your six month appointments, Dr. Kosinski thoroughly evaluates your smile for signs of oral cancer and may recommend a biopsy if he notices potential symptoms.
With advanced knowledge and tools, the cleaning you get at a dentist is much more comprehensive and detailed than your daily home care. Our Bingham Farms dentist and hygienists know exactly what to look for in your mouth and know the best ways to identify and get rid of plaque and tartar. Skipping out on your dental appointments will leave this plaque in place, putting you at risk for cavities and gum disease.
Not all instances of dental phobia are the same. Many people have different reasons for their dental anxiety and identifying these specific reasons is important for fighting the disorder. Take note of these common sources of dental phobia and consider how you can overcome those that apply to you:
DentalHealth.org has identified that the two most common dental-related fears are as follows:
If fear of the dentist has been keeping you from the oral care you need, it’s time to conquer that fear and regain control of your oral health. These tips can help you overcome your dental phobia:
Dental phobia is a disorder that can sap the health of your mouth and teeth. If you feel extreme anxiety when visiting the dentist, let Dr. Kosinsky know when scheduling your next appointment. We emphasize patient comfort and will take any precautions to ensure that your visit is a positive experience. Learn how we can help you overcome your dental phobia today and contact our office in Bingham Farms, MI.
Dr. Timothy Kosinski
31000 Telegraph Rd. #170
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
New Patients:
248-251-0795
Current Patients:
248-646-8651
Monday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8:30AM – 3PM
Thursday: 8:30AM – 4PM
Friday: Occasionally / Special Arrangement
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed