Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health, yet many people neglect this aspect of their healthcare routine. There are many reasons why people miss their regular dental check-ups – this article highlights some of the most common and how we can help.
Whether you’re suffering from a dental or needle phobia, worried about the cost or have had a previous negative experience impact your regular routine, we’re here for you.
Fear and Anxiety
One of the most common reasons people overlook a visit to the dentist is through fear. Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue that affects many individuals, causing them to avoid dental appointments altogether. The fear of pain, needles, or dental procedures can be overwhelming for some people, leading them to procrastinate or skip appointments altogether.
Overcoming this fear and having a general oral check-over is the end-goal for many sufferers of dental anxiety. The first step is booking the appointment – and we’re here to support you with some tips to help ease some of your concerns. Find out more on this page.
Busy Schedules
Many of us find little time in today’s fast-paced world for personal healthcare. Between work, family commitments, and social activities, dental appointments may fall to the bottom of the priority list. However, these relatively short visits can often help to avoid longer appointments later if dental issues arise.
If you find dental appointments hard to squeeze into a busy family schedule, talk to our teams – we can help find a time to suit you and can even arrange family appointments so you can all attend together.
Cost Concerns
Financial constraints can also prevent individuals from attending regular dental check-ups. Some people may lack adequate dental insurance coverage or fear the potential costs associated with treatments recommended during a check-up. Consequently, they may postpone appointments or avoid seeking dental care altogether until they experience severe pain or discomfort, which often necessitates more invasive and costly interventions.
We understand that unexpected costs for dental treatment can sometimes be difficult to manoeuvre into the household budget. This is why we provide a range of payment plans* to help patients spread the cost, should treatment be needed following a check-up (*terms and fees apply).
Find out more about the payment methods and plans we offer here.
Perceived Lack of Symptoms
It is very common for many individuals to not visit the dentist if they’re not experiencing any noticeable dental issues. However, common dental problems such as cavities, mouth and gum diseases can develop silently without causing any apparent symptoms in the early stages. Regular dental check-ups enable dentists to detect and assess potential issues before they escalate.
Previous Negative Experiences
Sadly, a negative experience at the dentist’s office, such as discomfort during a procedure or perceived judgment from dental professionals, can deter individuals from scheduling future appointments. It may take time to build trust again but taking care of your oral health is the priority.
Traumatic experiences can be put behind you with the support of a caring and professional dental team. Appointments should never be rushed nor should a patient feel pressured, embarrassed or otherwise ill at ease. At Dental Excel, we put our patients’ wellbeing and comfort at the heart of everything we do.
Feelings of embarrassment about the condition of their teeth may lead some people to avoid dental check-ups altogether, further compromising their oral health. Take a look at our before and after gallery and see what can be achieved.
Preventive assessments to reduce the likelihood of major treatment
Overcoming barriers to attending regular dental check-ups is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing longer-term oral health problems. Dentists and dental professionals can play a significant role in addressing patients’ concerns, providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment to help alleviate fear and anxiety. Additionally, dental practices can offer flexible scheduling options, transparent pricing and payment plans to accommodate patients’ busy lifestyles and financial constraints.
The importance of preventive dental care and the potential consequences of neglecting regular check-ups can be explained by any good dentist or dental nurse.
The benefits of proactive dental care, and giving individuals the confidence to take proactive steps towards preserving their smiles for years to come is what we are about at all our locations. Remember, regular dental check-ups are not just about maintaining a beautiful smile – they’re about your overall health and well-being.
Book your next appointment at Dental Excel online or give the friendly teams a call to find out more.