Closing an Unattractive Gap between Your Two Front Teeth

Dentists provide preventative care for patients with healthy teeth and restorative treatments for patients experiencing problems with tooth decay. Some people feel nervous about going to the dentist's office for restorative treatment. These four facts can put your mind at ease so you can face your upcoming procedure feeling knowledgeable and calm:

1. Most dental problems will worsen unless they're treated.

If your dental anxiety is making you consider canceling an upcoming restorative procedure, you should rethink that choice. Human teeth lack the ability to heal themselves, so most dental problems will worsen in time unless they are treated. Simple problems can become complicated and expensive to treat when ignored. The sooner you seek treatment for any oral problems that are bothering you, the less pain, time, and money you'll need to spend.

2. Patients can feel free to ask as many questions as they need to.

Even common dental procedures can be mystifying to the average person. You may feel uncomfortable agreeing to treatment without knowing exactly what will happen or why it's necessary. Fortunately, dentists are happy to talk their patients through various dental procedures. You can schedule a consultation with your dentist if you'd like to discuss any upcoming procedures in depth before you schedule them. You can also ask your dentist to explain the procedure step by step as it is performed. Some people are comforted by knowing exactly what will happen to their teeth before it happens.

3. Modern dental procedures are often painless.

Some people put off necessary dental procedures, such as root canal therapy, due to fear of pain. Root canals have a bad reputation as lengthy, uncomfortable procedures. However, modern dental technology is so advanced that most procedures are completely painless. At the beginning of any restorative treatment, your dentist will administer injections of lidocaine into the area around your tooth. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your tooth will be completely numb, and your dentist will start the procedure. If you feel discomfort at any time, you can raise your hand, and your dentist will take the necessary steps to ensure your comfort once more.

4. Dentists have sedative options for nervous patients.

If these facts haven't put your mind completely at ease, there's no need to fear. Dentists also offer sedation to nervous patients. Nitrous oxide can be used during your next dental appointment to give you a sense of well-being and calm as your dentist works on your teeth. Stronger sedative options, such as IV sedation and oral sedatives, are also available.