Dental Anxiety or Dental Phobia? You’re Not Alone

If you fear going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear.

Dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia know their fear is irrational, but have a hard time controlling it. Many people avoid the dentist altogether, only to show up when forced to by extreme pain.

Does this sound like you? If so - we understand and sympathize. We also invite you to try the Raleigh dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS. Our friendly and compassionate staff will help you overcome your dental fear and get you on the road to better oral health.

What Causes Dental Phobia and Anxiety?

There are many reasons why some people have dental phobia and anxiety. Here are just a few:

• Fear of pain. This usually stems from an early dental experience that was unpleasant or painful, or from dental "horror" stories told by others.
• Fear of injections or fear the injection won't work. Many people are terrified of needles, especially when inserted into their mouth. Others are afraid the dentist will begin the procedure before the anesthesia has taken effect, or that it will be painful despite the anesthesia.
• Anesthetic side effects. Sometimes the anesthetic can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, or even faint, which can cause fear in some people. Others fear the sensation of numbness in their mouth or tongue associated with local anesthetics.
• Loss of control. When you are sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what's going on or tell the dentist what you feel - its easy to feel out of control.
• Embarrassment and loss of personal space. The physical closeness of the dentist or hygienist to their face can be upsetting to some people. People who have avoided dental care may feel embarrassment about the appearance of their teeth.

Overcome Your Dental Fear 

We understand your fear and anxiety, and want to work with you. Here are a few suggestions:

• Tell us ahead of time. Tell the scheduling coordinator when you book your appointment in case they want to build in a little extra time, then staff about your anxiety when you arrive. Share any bad dental experiences you may have had, so we can understand and address your fears.
• Ask questions. Knowing what's going to happen may alleviates your fear of the unknown. We can explain every stage of the procedure so you're prepared for what's to come.
• Agree on a signal. Let us know, with an agreed upon hand signal, whenever you’re uncomfortable, need to swallow, rinse or just catch your breath. Knowing you can take short breaks may help with your fear.
• Speak up! If you experience pain or sensitivity during the procedure, even with an anesthetic, tell us. Some patients feel embarrassed about their pain tolerance or don’t want to interrupt a procedure. We understand that people experience pain differently, and pain tolerance may be lower for highly anxious patients – so tell us if you’re uncomfortable.
• Don't avoid dental care. If you suspect you have a problem, you need to come in. It is unlikely to get better on its own - most likely it will worsen, leading to more extensive care. 

Don’t let dental anxiety or phobia prevent you from getting the care you need. We promise to take the time to make you feel comfortable, calm and informed throughout your dental procedure.

Let us help you achieve the goal of great oral health. Call our friendly staff today to schedule an appointment (919) 755-450. If you have a friend or family member in Raleigh who are anxious or afraid to go to the dentist, please share this blog with them!

Eight Reasons to Schedule a Dental Visit

We all know regular dental visits at least twice a year are recommended. We also know bleeding gums and tooth pain means you should see your dentist as soon as possible. But what are some other signs or symptoms you may be experiencing that should signal it’s time for a dental visit? Here are to eight to consider….

1. You’ve quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

Quitting tobacco is important for your overall health, and is good for oral health as well. A dental visit after tobacco cessation allows your dentist to check your full mouth with a cancer screening. They will also check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and help you create a plan of action to achieve a happy, healthy mouth.

2. You have ongoing medical issues

Make your dentist part of your team if you have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive), or you are undergoing medical treatment (such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy). Many diseases and conditions can have an impact on your teeth and gums.  The opposite is also true - poor oral health can make some medical conditions worse. Healthy teeth and gums can be key in your recovery.

3. You're pregnant.

A major shift in hormone levels can lead to changes to your oral health. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don't miss your regular checkup. Also, many pregnant women discover their normally healthy gums may start appearing red, swollen, or even bleeding when brushing. If this occurs, visit to the dentist is a good idea. It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. Plan on a visit in your first trimester. Remember to tell your dentist about frequent morning sickness (frequent vomiting can erode your enamel), and problems with your gums.

4. You wake up with headaches 

If you go to sleep feeling well, but are waking with headaches, you could be unknowingly grinding or clenching your teeth at night. You may also notice soreness in your jaw when you chew your first meal of the day. Jaw misalignment, TMJ, or grinding can all be discussed at your dentist visit. Your dentist can offer suggestions and solutions, such as mouth guards, to reduce headaches and protect your teeth from excessive wear.

5. You were recently diagnosed with acid reflux.

GERD and acid reflux can cause stomach acids to climb up the esophagus, sometimes as far as the mouth. This can result in unusual tooth erosion and other periodontal problems. Seeing your dentist can allow you to create an action plan to limit damage and even save teeth.

6. You can’t kick that bad taste in your mouth.

An odor or bad taste that doesn’t go away, even after brushing, can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a saliva gland infection. Frequent, persistent bad breath can also be caused by mouth dryness or uncontrolled bacteria. Your dentist can offer some treatments and solutions.

7. You try to hide your smile

OK - this is not really a "condition", but smiling is important to your well-being.  Whether you're self-conscious about a missing tooth or embarrassed by a dull smile, don't be shy about talking to your dentist.  You may be surprised at some of the reasonably priced cosmetic options now available as well as financing options - such as CareCredit.

8. You're having trouble eating

Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not the norm. Try eating soft or liquified foods until you can see your dentist.

Schedule Your Dentist Visit Today

Of course this list is not all inclusive, so any time you have a concern with your mouth, teeth, jaw, or gums a dentist visit is recommended. You can contact the Raleigh dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates at (919) 755-3450 and speak with our friendly staff OR schedule online at: www.jeffmorrisondds.com/contact-us/.  We look forward to seeing you. 

Travelling Abroad? Tips For Emergency Dental Care

What do you do if you wake up with a toothache while hiking in Patagonia? Or your child knocks out a tooth during a family vacation in Mexico? 

Finding good emergency dental care abroad can be challenging. Dentists in the United States have been educated in accredited schools, taken national and state boards prior to receiving a license to practice, and are held to high standards of care which include infection control guidelines for disease prevention. You can't always count on that when travelling abroad.

Here are some ways to avoid potential problems, or ensure the best possible outcome, should an emergency occur while you are on vacation.

Schedule a checkup before your trip

Mention any dental concerns you have so Dr. Morrison can diagnose potential issues and complete treatment before you leave.

Complete any treatment

Finish treatment on any outstanding dental work before you leave. Schedule the root canal you have been putting off or address that cracked tooth you have been “living with" well ahead of time so that adjustments, if needed, can be made prior to your trip.

Insurance information

Take your dental and medical insurance policy numbers. Make a contact entry on your phone or write it on a piece of paper and tuck it someplace safe. You will appreciate having this information handy if you do encounter a dental emergency on vacation.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Maintain a great oral hygiene routine before you travel to keep your mouth in a healthy, non-emergency state.

Take a mouth guard

Are you going to be participating in any sports or adventurous activities while away? Consider having an athletic mouth guard made to provide extra protection for your mouth and jaw. Also, vacations are not always relaxing - so if you tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth when under stress, consider a night guard.

Travel insurance policy with dental coverage 

Consider a travel insurance policy that includes dental coverage. If you have a travel insurance or assistance policy, the company’s 24-hour hotline can refer you to qualified dental care when you’re away from home, as well as provide translation help, if needed.

Taking precautionary measures like these can help avoid some dental emergencies on vacation, but they can’t prevent them all. If you do have a dental emergency, the important thing is to act fast to preserve the tooth and alleviate discomfort. Read Dr. Morrison's blog on what to do if you experience a dental emergency for an overview of common dental emergencies and what to do right away.

Finding good dental care when travelling

Once you've handled the immediate concern, you'll need to find a qualified dentist who can help you. Here are some resources to check:

The American Dental Society of Europe

These dentists are members of the society who live and work in Europe but studied in the U.S. or Canada.

International Association Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT)

IAMAT is a network of doctors and medical institutions around the world that can help you find an English speaking doctor. You will need to be a member, but it could be worth it to get you in touch with a dentist or medical professional that can help you when you are traveling abroad. To learn more go to www.iamat.org.

Board Certified Asia Dental Association

While many sites for finding a dentist abroad are targeting those that would participate in dental tourism, they can also be handy for finding a dentist in the part of the world in which you find yourself.

Other Suggestions

Your hotel concierge or trip guide may be able to recommend a quality dentist in the area; the American Consulate or Embassy; Americans, or American military personnel living in the area.

What to remember at your dental appointment abroad

Finally, here are some things to think about as you are going into your appointment:

Licensing requirements and safety regulations

Some countries will have exceptional dental care and safety regulations they follow like the U.S. does, however, there are many places you can travel to that won’t have this. Make sure you know who you are seeing and what they are going to be doing to you. Verify that the dentist has a license and can practice as a dentist. You’ll want to be sure that the dental care you get is of the highest standards and that they use the proper tools as well as standard safety measures such as new gloves for each patient and sterilizers for instruments.

Verify the cost

Avoid surprises by verifying the cost, in writing, before you start treatment. Also, make sure your quote is in US currency.

Language barrier

Language can be a barrier to treatment. If you do not understand what the dentist or dental staff are saying to you, and the dentist and employees do not understand what you are saying to them, this is not the place for you to have dental care performed.

Dental emergencies on vacation happen all the time. Be sure to prepare before your trip, act fast if you have a problem, and use the resources available to you to find a qualified dental professional that can treat you to facilitate the best possible outcome—for your tooth and your vacation.

Was this article helpful? Leave a comment and also forward it to someone you know who may be travelling abroad. Have a great trip!

How To Handle Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can occur at any time - but don't they always seem to happen over a holiday weekend, or the day your're leaving for vacation? When problems arise, at Jeff M Morrison & Associates, DDS, we are here for our patients - including weekends and holidays. If a dental emergency occurs during our regular work week we will fit you in as soon as possible - usually with a same day appointment. If it's the weekend or a holiday, we will do what is needed to save your tooth, reduce your pain, stabilize the injury, and help you to feel comfortable with your appearance. If you need to see us right away contact our Raleigh dental practice for an emergency appointment. We only see current patients of record after regular office hours for emergency care. However, we welcome all emergency cases - new and current patients - during regular hours.

Here are some tips on how to handle the most common dental emergencies until you can get to our office:

Toothaches

If you are experiencing continuous, severe tooth pain or ache, this is a common symptom of an abscessed tooth. An abscess is an infection at the root of the tooth caused by pulp decay, and usually calls for a root canal. We recommend contacting our office immediately to examine the tooth and start treatment. If you do have an abscessed tooth it will only get worse without care.  Take these initial steps:  Rinse mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any lodged food. If swelling appears, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. Never put aspirin against the gums or on the sore tooth, because it may burn the gum tissue.

Chipped or broken tooth

Chipped or broken teeth put you at-risk for an infection to the tooth pulp. Rinse mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. If bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling and ease pain.  Take pain medication as needed.

Knocked-out tooth

When a tooth has been knocked out, the nerves, blood vessels and supporting tissues are irreparably damaged.  That is why all avulsed teeth will need a root canal. However, the bone can reattach to the root of the tooth once it's put back into place. The odds of saving a tooth are highest in young children, but adult teeth can be saved as well so always keep the tooth if it's a permanent one. A tooth has the highest chance of being saved when it is returned to the socket within one hour. 

Follow these suggestions to improve the chances of saving your tooth:

• Handle the tooth carefully. Try not to touch the root (the part of the tooth that was under the gum). It can be damaged easily. 
• If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the upper part (the crown) and rinse it with milk. If you don't have any milk, rinse it with water. Don't wipe it off with a washcloth, shirt or other fabric. This could damage the tooth. 
• Keep the tooth moist. Drop it into a glass of milk. If you can't do this, place the tooth in your mouth, between the cheek and gum. A young child may not be able to safely "store" the tooth in his or her mouth without swallowing it. Instead, have the child spit into a cup. Place the tooth in the cup with the saliva. If nothing else is available, place the tooth in a cup of water. 
• If it's a permanent tooth, try slipping the tooth back into its socket. Make sure it's facing the right way. Don't try to force it into the socket. If it doesn't go back into place easily and without pressure, then just keep it moist (in milk, saliva or water) and get to the office as soon as you can.

Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth

Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to ease pain. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Object caught between teeth

Use dental floss to gently and carefully remove the object. Never use a sharp instrument, because you risk cutting your gums or scratching the tooth surface.

Lost filling or crown

It important to see Dr. Morrison as soon as you can if you lose a filling or crown. The exposed tooth is sensitive to pressure and temperature, and can become more damaged without the protection of the restoration. If a crown is missing for a long time, your teeth may move and the crown will no longer fit. Here's what you can do before you get to the office:

• If you still have the crown and can place back over the tooth, make sure to clean the inside as thoroughly as possible.  If it is painful, use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the tooth.
• Try to slip the crown back over the tooth. Before putting the crown back in place, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste or denture adhesive to help hold it in place. Never use super glue!
• If you’ve lost the crown or filling entirely, place the over-the-counter dental cement over the tooth surface to protect and seal the area until you get to our office.  No dental cement?  Use a piece of sugarless chewing gum over the tooth until you can get in. 

Broken braces wire

If a wire breaks or sticks out and is poking you, use the eraser end of a pencil to move the wire. If that is not working, use orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze to cover the wire tip. Don’t cut the wire, because you risk swallowing it.

Loose braces bracket or band

Use orthodontic wax to reattach a loose bracket or place the wax over the braces for cushioning. If a band is loose, save it until you see the orthodontist.

Abscess

These are painful infections that sometimes look like a swollen pimple on the gum, usually at the tooth’s root or in the space between the teeth and gum. Rinse mouth with a mild salt-water solution (one half-teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day, which will help ease any pain. It is critical to have this emergency attended to immediately to avoid the infection traveling through your system.

Soft-tissue injuries

Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can bleed easily. Rinse mouth with a mild salt-water solution. Hold a damp piece of gauze or a teabag to the site that is bleeding for about 15 minutes. Also hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek for 10 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your dentist right away or go to a hospital emergency room.

Many of the dental emergencies we treat at our Raleigh dental practice can be avoided with simple steps like wearing a mouth guard, getting routine preventive care, and following up on recommended treatment plans. We do our part to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and encourage you to do the same. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have a dental emergency - even if it's over the weekend.

For more information about Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, or to schedule an emergency dental visit please call 919.755.3450 or visit our website.