Top Reasons Patients Hate Dentists

It’s no secret that dentists are one of the most feared and hated professions in the civilized world. And yet, what exactly is it that’s so bad about these men and women that try to keep up with our oral health and hygiene? Why do we hate them so much? Do we really hate the people? Or do we simply hate what they do? Here are a few of the most common reasons that patients claim they hate the people that work on their teeth. 

The Needle: One of the most common phobias in adults is the dreaded needle. This is not something special for the dental chair, but often is in common with all healthcare fields. Whether you are visiting the doctor or the dentist, chances are a needle might be in your future. When you talk about putting that needle in a sensitive place like your mouth, the hate increases a little more. 

The Pain: Many dentists are attempting to overcome this hate and fear with conscious sedation. Oral or IV medication can help relax the patient so that they don’t feel any pain and are relatively comfortable during the procedure.

The Anxiety: Often our thoughts of going to the dentist and what will happen are worse than the actual event. It is important to keep your imagination in check in order to avoid undue anxiety.

The Drill: It makes such an awful noise! Even if you are sedated and trying to watch TV on the ceiling with headphones, you can hear the sound of that drill everywhere in your head. This is an unfortunate tool of most dental professionals and often unavoidable. Especially if you skip a few visits. 

The Cost: As with healthcare in the United States, dental procedures are not cheap and preventive medicine can add up with regular visits. However, it is important to invest in regular check-ups and cleanings because those small costs can offset or prevent larger costs with invasive repairs later. 

Many good dentists are aware of these issues and attempt to address them in positive fashions in their practice. In fact, a good oral healthcare provider will go out of their way to ask you exactly what you hate about the dental chair and what they can do to make your visit more pleasant. If you truly loathe your regular dental check-up and find yourself looking for any excuse to re-schedule your appointment, it may be time to find a dentist that takes your fears and hates to heart and tries to make you more comfortable. After all, it’s your oral health at stake.