There are a lot of myths floating around about dentists, with some people avoiding scheduling dental appointments altogether because of fear or not understanding exactly what a dentist does. To help you understand the profession and some available treatments, Comprehensive Dental Care is debunking some of the most prevalent myths around dentists. Our Gainesville dentists are also happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation.

It’s Going To Hurt

Many people have an aversion to going to the dentist because they’re worried about the potential pain involved. Before modern dental advancements, visiting the dentist often was quite the ordeal. Thankfully, with today’s technology, dentist appointments are far from scary. Sedation dentistry offers safe and effective options, from keeping patients calm to putting them to sleep for longer dental procedures. This can help manage pain and dental anxiety as well as make it easier for patients to sit through longer dental procedures. Advancements in dental techniques also reduce the pain and time needed for procedures, such as cavity treatments, tooth extraction, and fillings. There are also painless treatments, such as teeth whitening and cleaning, dentures, and dental bridges.

Dental X-Rays Are Harmful

Dental X-rays are an important part of dental treatment. They allow your dentist to get a deeper look at the health of your teeth and your jaw to determine possible treatment options and how current treatment plans are working. However, a popular myth is that patients should avoid dental X-rays because of exposure to harmful radiation. Traditional dental X-rays are considered safe, with very low levels of radiation and exposure being mitigated by wearing a leaded apron, which your dentist will provide. Additionally, you can speak with your dentist about digital X-rays, which lower the already low radiation levels.

Dentists Only Work On Teeth

Its true dentists do a majority of their work on teeth, however, the mouth is more than just your teeth, and a dentist is qualified to work on the other parts. This can include gum treatments, such as treating gingivitis, gum disease, and receding gums. Dentists can also provide treatment and relief for TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome) and snoring and administer Botox for jaw and face pain. They can even screen for and help prevent the development of oral cancer.

Modern dentistry has come a long way in making dental treatments easier for patients. If you’re concerned about what’s involved in a dental procedure, our dentist will happily detail all procedural information and answer any questions to help you feel assured.