When Was Your Last Dental Visit?

If you can’t even remember when your last checkup was, you aren’t alone. Only about 62% of adults between the ages of 24 and 65 reported seeing the dentist within the past year, which means more than 37% of adults decided to skip both of their recommended semi-annual checkups.

Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist is a choice that can have far-reaching implications. In addition to putting the health of your teeth and gums in jeopardy, gum disease and periodontal disease can start to affect your jaw tissue health. As bacteria invades deeper and deeper into your oral tissues, infections can spread throughout your body, causing widespread inflammation that can contribute to serious systemic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

We understand that everyone who avoids the dentist has a reason for doing so. Some of the most common reasons are:

Anxiety

Up to 20% of adults avoid the dental office out of fear or anxiety, with many patients reporting problems such as sleeplessness, nausea, or extreme discomfort at the mere thought of going in for a checkup. However, many of these fears can be soothed by simply having an open, honest conversation with Dr. Weyneth, and asking for any measures or precautions that will help you to feel safe. Both doctors have extensive experience with patients who suffer from dental anxiety and phobias, and will take the time to talk with you about any treatment that concerns you. We also offer sedation dentistry to help patients who suffer from severe anxiety to relax during the procedure.

Financial Concerns

Some dental procedures can be expensive, especially if you don’t have dental insurance. However, avoiding the dentist because of financial reasons is never a good idea, since oral decay can quickly spiral into a more complicated and expensive problem later on.

Taking care of your teeth with preventive care can also help you to fend off dental decay before it ever begins. Preventive dental visits for cleanings, sealants, or protective crowns can help you and your children to avoid plaque and tartar accumulation, gum disease, root canals, and dental fractures.

If you are concerned about how to pay for an upcoming appointment, contact our office today. We accept a wide variety of dental insurance plans and even offer a cash discount for full payments made upfront for services.

Embarrassment

Sometimes, patients avoid seeing the dentist because they are ashamed of the current condition of their teeth. Discoloration, broken teeth, and advanced decay are embarrassing problems, but rest assured, Dr. Weyneth has seen it all. Everyone at Sherman Oaks Dental, from the office managers to the dental hygienists, understands your need for treatment and will help you receive it with care and compassion. There is a reason Dr. Weyneth has been called one of the best dentists in Naperville.

Make An Appointment Today

If you’re overdue for a checkup, make an appointment today! Sherman Oaks Dental offers a wide variety of appointment times that cater to even the busiest schedule. To make your upcoming visit as relaxing and peaceful as possible, we also offer amenities such as warm towels, coffee and tea service, your choice of relaxing music, neck pillows, and cozy blankets. We want your time at our office to be as enjoyable as an afternoon at a spa, which is why we also use state-of-the-art dental tools like digital explorers and X-ray equipment. With these tools, discovering cavities is fast and painless, and you won’t have to wait for those crucial results. Contact us today for more information.