It is very common for young adults to skip the dentist, either intentionally or not intentionally. Some young adults skip the dentist because they forget to find and setup a dental appointment after they move. Other young adults might have had bad experiences when they were younger and put off going back to the dentist. Other people sometimes put off the dentist because they are concerned about paying for dental services. Whatever the reason, we want to explain to everyone why you shouldn’t skip the dentist both for the short-term and long-term effects. 

The Exterior of Joy Family Dentistry in Lewiston Maine

How Do I Find A Dentist That Won’t Make Me Anxious?

Here’s a secret, millions of adults are still afraid of the dentist. All it takes is one negative experience as a kid to set up that anxiety for years to come. On top of that, one of the perceived benefits of adulthood is having the autonomy to decide whether or not you want to go to the dentist or the doctor’s office. It can be tempting to put off those appointments or skip them entirely, but we recommend against it. The truth of the matter is, going to the dentist can help protect your teeth for decades of your life. Our teeth do not always do a great job of telling us when there are problems. The outer layers of our teeth don’t have a lot of nerves, and severe damage can be done without us noticing. By going to the dentist once every six months, you ensure that bacteria never has a long period of time to grow unchecked. 

But how do you find the right dentist. First and foremost, ask your friends and your colleagues how they really feel about the dental office they go to. A good adult dentist understands that some of their patients may have had bad experiences as a kid, and might provide a judgement-free experience. As dentists, we care more about your oral health than anything else. That is why we strive to create a comfortable environment and avoid guilt-trips, condescension or other negative elements to your visit. 

How Do You Pay For Dental Treatments Without Insurance?

Another common reason to skip the dentist is that you either don’t have insurance or otherwise concerned about paying for treatments. If you are concerned about paying for dental treatments, we recommend giving a call to the dental office you are looking into. Ask them about insurances they take, but also ask them what options they have for patients who either don’t have inusrance or who have insurance plans that don’t provide the coverage they need. Many dental offices provide different dental payment solutions including financing through third-party options and payment plans. A goal of every dentist is to promote oral health, and they often do not want to let payment obstacles to get in the way of protecting their patients’ teeth.

Schedule A Dental Checkup in Lewiston Maine

The first step in getting back on track with your oral health is making that first dental appointment. If you live in the Lewiston, Maine area and need to make any dental appointments, please give us a call for more information.