Dental care is often on the back of your mind coming only when something happens to your teeth or gums. You don’t care about the annual appointment or brushing/flossing until one of the teeth starts giving you pain.
Dentistry is an important field of medicine that explains the importance of oral health. However, several myths and misconceptions surround it that you do not know which one is true and which is false.Â
It’s because of these myths that many people fail to keep attending their annual dental checkups. The misinformation surrounding the people keeps them knowing how important it is to maintain good oral hygiene.
When your teeth are strong, you can eat anything you want without feeling sensitive. They help you in your old age and don’t have to put artificial teeth on them. Hence, it’s important to know the myths and facts behind them so that you start taking care of your teeth which really helps with your eating as you age.
Myth 1: Every dentist is the same
Fact: All dentists provide general care for your teeth like teeth cleaning, inspecting and suggesting advanced treatments. However, dental specialists are the ones who give you the right treatment according to the issue you have. They are trained and specialised in various fields like orthodontics, periodontics and endodontics. Knowing the differences among them will help you book the appointment with the right one. For instance, if you have an issue with your gums and jawbone, you visit a periodontist in Sydney but not a general dentist.Â
Myth 2: Dental specialists treat only severe problems
Fact: While specialists are trained in dealing with severe issues, it doesn’t mean that they don’t deal with simple or minor issues. You don’t have to wait until your problem becomes severe to visit a dental specialist. For instance, if you have gum pain for more than 3 days, you can visit a periodontist to get treatment for a minor issue. You don’t have to wait for the pain to become more unbearable. The fact is visiting a dentist early means you are also saving money from expensive procedures.
Myth 3: All dental procedures are painful
Fact: Modern dentistry conducts treatments with anesthesia which means there will be no pain when you are getting an advanced treatment. All the treatments are virtually painless and you just have to relax back on the chair and the dentist will do everything. Also, specialised dentists are trained to provide you comfort and they do treatment only when you are relaxed and laid back. If at any point you are uncomfortable, you can tell your trouble and the dentist will adjust the treatment accordingly.
Myth 4: Every dental appointment becomes expensive
Fact: General dental checkups don’t cost you more except for the doctor’s fee. Unless you are diagnosed with a serious issue, all dental appointments don’t become expensive. Even an advanced treatment is covered under any insurance plan. It’s the reason why you should ensure regular checkups with the dentist. The preventative care from specialist doctors will help you save money as you avoid having extensive treatments.
Myth 5: Only kids can have braces
Fact: Braces are for anyone who has misaligned teeth. It doesn’t matter what your age group is, you can have braces to keep your teeth in line. They are suitable for all ages and many adults are seeking these treatments to have better oral health and aesthetics.
Myth 6: Root canals are painful
Fact: Root canals are not painful. You may think they are because of the bad reputation they have but they are just a root-filling process. When you visit the right endodontist, you will know that root canal treatments are effective, efficient and pain-free. Moreover, root canals solve a variety of problems and are the first treatment you get when you get an artificial tooth.
Myth 7: Seeing a specialist only when referred
Fact: Getting referrals is recommended, especially when you are sceptical about the doctors near your area. You can get recommendations from your friends and parents, however, you can also visit a dentist directly if you have concerns that need to be addressed immediately. Waiting or prolonging the issue will only make the problem severe and lead to bigger problems.
Final thoughts
Knowing what a periodontist does and other dental specialists like endodontists and orthodontists will help you narrow down your options when you want to visit a dentist for a particular issue. Visiting the right dental specialist in Sydney will let you get the right treatment without shedding money unnecessarily. However, it’s important to address your issues faster so that you can have early treatment.Â
General care like regular cleaning, brushing and flossing and attending the annual dentist appointment will let you maintain good oral health. You can avoid premature wear of your teeth and avoid maximum gum issues when you have a proper oral care routine.
