Dental Treatments – Facts and Fantasies

Myths about certain dentistry procedures may deter some patients from having important treatment.

There are no shortages of myths and rumours about some dental treatments. Some of these have been around for generations. Others have appeared more recently online, often repeated so often that they start to sound like genuine facts. The problem is that dental myths can sometimes make people anxious about receiving necessary treatment and could even persuade them to avoid care that could make a real difference to their oral health.

The truth is that dentistry has changed considerably over the years. Treatments that may once have been uncomfortable or complicated can usually now be carried out much more comfortably today with the use of improved technology as well as improved knowledge.

Let us take a look at some common examples:

‘Dental treatment hurts’

This is probably one of the most common reasons people avoid the dentist. There is often an anticipation that a procedure, including straightforward ones such as a filling, is going to hurt. When we think that, we tend to expect it and the thought of pain builds in our mind to the point that some patients even cancel their appointment or even simply don’t turn up. The reality is that modern dental local anaesthetics are very powerful and patients should not feel any pain during a routine treatment. You may experience sensations such as pressure or movement, but, with the nerves fully numbed, you should not feel any actual pain at all.

Having said that, if you do find that you are really anxious or worried about your forthcoming treatment, do talk to us. At the Foxhall Dental Practice, we will always do what we can to help you receive treatment as comfortably as possible. This can involve allowing more time or, where requested, explaining what will happen in more detail, for example.

‘Root canal treatment is one of the worst pains imaginable’

This is one treatment that has certainly gained a terrifying reputation; so much so that it is not unusual for a patient to ask us to remove the tooth instead of restoring it using this procedure. This is completely unnecessary though, and we believe that this treatment’s reputation stems from days before x-rays and anaesthetics were in common use. One of the biggest likelihood of pain is if an abscess is present and is drilled into. There is no doubt that would be very painful. Before x-rays, there was always a chance of this happening, but before a root canal procedure is carried out these days, x-rays will always be taken and any abscesses treated before the treatment starts.

As with most invasive treatments, you may experience some pressure and there will probably be some residual soreness afterwards, but this should be managed comfortably using your own painkilling medication and should soon be back to normal.

‘Dental implants aren’t for younger patients’

Implants are often associated with older patients simply because tooth loss becomes more common as we age. This doesn’t mean that younger patients can’t have them though.

The main exception to this is where a patient’s face has not yet fully developed; usually somewhere around the age of eighteen. If you have passed this stage and have lost a tooth through injury or decay, there should be few reasons, if any, why a dental implant can’t be used to replace it. As with all teeth implant patients, we will take x-rays and scans to check bone level and density as well as discussing lifestyle habits, such as smoking, with you, to determine if you are a suitable candidate or not.

‘I should stop brushing if my gums bleed’

This one is surprisingly common. Some people notice blood when brushing and assume that they are brushing too hard. They then brush less frequently or avoid the area altogether. This will only make the problem worse.

In the vast majority of cases, the bleeding is not coming from any damage your brush is causing, but is a symptom of gum disease. Stopping brushing will mean that this could advance even faster. In fact, you should aim to brush more effectively and also to add flossing to your routine if possible. It is also a good idea to contact our Ipswich dentists practice for a professional cleaning by our hygienist. This plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums.

‘If teeth don’t hurt, I don’t need to see a dentist’

This one is 100% wrong. In fact, if your teeth hurt then damage has already been done in most cases.

Yes,  if you are in pain with a toothache etc, we can usually stop the pain and restore the tooth using a filling or crown where possible, although there is also the possibility that extraction is the best option available. The reality though is that a dentist’s role is not just to treat teeth, but to help you keep them healthy so that any surgical interventions are as few as possible.

The bottom line is that by attending the Foxhall Dental Practice for regular check ups and seeing the hygienist means that you are in the best position to avoid toothache, sore and inflamed gums and even tooth loss. Prevention is key and we are here to help you with this!

To discuss any oral care related issue with us, or to book a check up appointment or register at our Ipswich clinic, please call us today on 01473 258396.