If there is one thing I am certain of from all my studies and twenty years of clinical private practice experience, it is the fact that avoiding the dentist and proper treatment will ALWAYS work against you! I have also learned through thousands of patient interviews that the two main reasons for avoiding the dentist are fear and finances. Now these may seem like fairly legitimate reasons, but in actuality they are not!
The reason that some folks are fearful or "phobic" is usually because of an unpleasant experience that can be traced back to childhood or a long time ago. These experiences create a phobia that is completely irrational and baseless as seen in today's professional philosophies and technologically advanced practices. there have been many significant advances in the art and science of dentistry which make the vast majority of treatment modalities comfortable, safe and effective. I often hear "....if I knew it was that easy, I would have done it earlier."
On the other hand those who are concerned with finances should realize that the alternative is much more costly and unpleasant. Whether you have insurance or not, there are still financing options available that will allow you to get healthy. Often times those who come in regularly for check ups and cleanings have far fewer problems. Pathologies are a lot easier and less expensive to treat in their initial phases. By ignoring small problems you will most certainly inherit bigger ones! So in the long run procrastination will cost more and require more invasive and complex treatment.
In general, the dental profession is more in tune with the individual needs of the patient and treatments are less uncomfortable and more affordable. You need to be honest with yourself and ask, are you putting off going to the dentist or are you finally going to start to become invested in your health?
