The impact of dental fear and dental anxiety on dental health can be huge. Avoiding preventive dental care (routine cleanings, x-rays, checkups) can cause a substantial impact on your finances and the health of your teeth. Routine dental care is not expensive, treating dental neglect is expensive.
The two common consequences of evading the dentist is the development of gum disease (periodontal disease) and dental decay.
Periodontal disease in simply the loss of gum tissue and bone around the tooth. The support tissue is what supports the teeth. If the support tissue is destroyed by bacterial infections then the teeth will simply become loose and have to be extracted. After the age of thirty, periodontal disease is the most common cause of missing teeth in Americans. The most frequent cause of periodontal disease is not having professional dental cleanings.
Dental decay (cavities) is the destruction of tooth structure by bacteria. Unfortunately when people skip the dentist, small cavities can grow into extreme problems. What could have been a simple filling can turn into a large filling, crown or even root canal and crown. Don’t let small problems develop into large more complex problems.
In review, the penalties of avoiding the dentist due to dental anxiety and dental fear are:
- Development of periodontal disease (gum disease)
- Development of widespread decay (cavities)
- Pain, discomfort, and infection
- More expensive and extensive dental treatment
- Loss of teeth
Dr. Nugent is a leader in the dental field. He has patients travel from Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, League City, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Seabrook and Houston Texas. For patients that are truly scared of the dentist Dr. Nugent can utilize Sedation Dentistry. Sedation dentistry is designed to calm and relax you while you are at the dental office. Dr. Nugent can use Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation or a combination of Nitrous Oxide and oral sedation. Demand the best in dental care.
