Dental Anxiety – Overcoming Your Fear of Dentists

Latest changes: 02.04.2023
Dental Anxiety – Overcoming Your Fear of Dentists

Most common fears and how to overcome them

Do you suffer from Dental anxiety? We are here to help you overcome your fear of dentists. Each one of us is familiar with toothache. Its intensity can vary from a slight inconvenience to mind-numbing pain that prevents you from sleeping, eating and performing other everyday activities. Whatever the pain may be, we always try to delay our visit to the dentist as much as possible.

Many of us take an easy solution like an “instant home toothache remedy” and search Google for easy fixes and other ways to ease the pain. 

Although these solutions are temporary and help ease the immediate symptoms, visiting a dentist after some time becomes unavoidable because the pain keeps coming back or gets worse.Dealing with the “most horrible chair” (the dentist’s chair) becomes inevitable.

Did you know that annually more than 30 million people miss their appointments because of fear of pain?

Even though it’s comforting to know that many other people share our fears, it’s also hazardous to avoid regular check-ups because ignoring the health of your oral cavity can lead to some severe complications and even pathological changes. To combat any fear, first, you must identify the root cause and find a solution. “You have nothing to fear” is not a valid answer because it diminishes your personal experience of fear. This can only make the problem worse and be the cause of further delays and avoidance of dentists. 

Here are some of the most common dental fears and how to overcome them:

Fear And Shame Due to Bad Oral Hygiene

Feeling ashamed and uneasy due to ignoring the health of your oral cavity is perfectly normal. This is why most people start aggressively using the toothbrush and dental floss on the day of visit to their dental clinic. Dentists are trained professionals that don’t judge you for your habits. Most of them will be very glad that you have taken the first step to improvement of the general care of your oral hygiene. The last thing any dentist wants is to make you feel inferior. In all our years of experience, we’ve seen all the possibilities and solved many problems. Rest assured, we won’t judge you or your teeth.

Fear of Dentists Shots

In dentistry, shots are most commonly used for applying a local anesthetic. The whole process lasts a few seconds, after which you won’t feel any pain. Dentists have the education and experience needed to apply the shots. This gives them a few hours of uninterrupted, painless work in the process of getting you the perfect smile. 

Let us know if you’re afraid of the needle – this way, we can guide you through the process. Dental professionals sometimes use a rubbing anesthetic before administering shots, which almost completely eliminates any pain caused by the shot.

Fear of Losing Control

You’re sitting on the dentist’s chair, someone’s hands are in your mouth, preventing you from speaking or complaining about it. This type of situation is not ideal, especially for people who have a hard time giving up control to another person. For patients with some trauma caused by lack of control, it can be even more intense. This is the most common human fear, but there are several ways of dealing with this anxiety. 

One of the best ways to overcome this anxiety is to be sincere with your dentist. Tell your dentist everything about your fear. We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible. Dentists are trained and prepared to work with people who have a hard time relaxing during the procedure. They’ll know when to stop for a few minutes or gently and effectively guide you through the procedure.

Fear of Pain

Dentists have a lousy reputation as sadistic butchers, but in reality, a dentist visit is mostly painless. Of course, the procedure can sometimes be accompanied by pain, as in every other aspect of your health. Talk to your friends, family and your dentist about your fear/anxiety. Make your visits to the dental clinic a positive and helpful experience. 

Our dentists and oral surgeons are medical professionals. As medicine and science progress, there are more and more painless dental procedures. The recovery can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it’s vital to trust the progress of medicine and its effectiveness. Most dental procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, last less than 30 minutes.

Fear Originating From Childhood

Some patients aren’t even aware that their fear of dentists has roots in their previous painful or scary childhood experiences. Fear sometimes comes from subtle moments, like a parent’s comment about a negative experience. The best solution for this type of fear is to visit a dentist who understands you and your anxiety. First, make a reservation for a less painful treatment to get to know the clinic, staff and doctors who work there. Once you have a good sense of how the clinic works and initiate communication with your dentists, your mind will make this positive experience an anchor for future visits. 

Remember, the first and most important step, and most likely the scariest for you, is sitting on the dentist’s chair. Tell your doctor about your concerns. Notify your friends and family, ask them to come as your backup and support. Be proud of yourself for taking such good care of your health. Remember that most likely, you spent more time worrying about the procedure, than the procedure itself!

Are you fighting with the fear of dentists? We’re here to help! Get to know us through our App /newsletter and social media videos and become a part of our happy family of Dentelli Clients.

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Discovering Dentistry: Beyond Just Teeth and Gums
20.09.2023

Discovering Dentistry: Beyond Just Teeth and Gums

Thousands of smiles are preserved, transformed, and rejuvenated by dedicated dentists worldwide each year. Dentistry isn’t just about oral health; it’s vital to overall well-being. In healthcare, Dentelli Dental Clinic, nestled in the city of Split, stands as a beacon of excellence. For us, dentistry is more than a profession – it’s a calling that holds the power to reshape lives. It’s about instilling confidence, enhancing sleep, enabling proper nutrition, facilitating communication, and ensuring every breath is taken with comfort.

At Dentelli, our approach is grounded in empathy and patient education. We understand that oral health isn’t isolated; it’s intricately woven into the fabric of our lives.

Understanding Dentistry: Beyond Surface Care

By definition, dentistry is the art and science of maintaining the health of teeth, gums, and the intricate network of tissues that grace the mouth. The fusion of routine brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits pave the way for enduring oral health.

Navigating the realm of dentistry requires knowing your way around various dental specialties. Here’s a glimpse into some of the diverse fields that contribute to your dental well-being:

  1. Dental Anthropology and Morphology: Delving into dental anatomy, genetics, and inherited variations that shape our unique dental identity.
  2. Restorative Dentistry: The art of repairing damaged teeth structures through procedures such as cavity fillings and dental implants.
  3. Endodontics: Safeguarding dental pulp and root tissues, often through root canal treatments, to preserve your natural teeth.
  4. Gnathology: The study of jaw mechanics, speech, and chewing, addressing concerns like teeth grinding.
  5. Pediatric Dentistry: Nurturing young smiles from infancy to adulthood, starting with the crucial first visit between ages 2 and 3.
  6. Oral Hygiene and Preventive Dentistry: Combining daily care with regular check-ups is the cornerstone of dental well-being.
  7. Orthodontics: Transforming smiles by correcting teeth misalignments and bite issues, often with braces.
  8. Periodontology: Focusing on gum health and supporting structures, tackling conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.
  9. Oral Surgery: Surgical interventions on teeth, gums, and oral structures, including wisdom teeth removal.
  10. Prosthodontics: Crafting restorations for missing teeth and oral parts, enhancing aesthetics, speech, and function.
  11. Oral Medicine: Bridging dentistry and medicine, diagnosing and treating complex oral conditions with a broader medical perspective.

We testify to this holistic approach at Dentelli Boutique Dental Clinic in Split. Our array of services reflects our commitment to comprehensive care.

The Art and Science of Oral Health at Dentelli

“Dentistry is the art and science of oral health.” This adage resonates deeply with Dentelli’s team of dedicated professionals. Every smile is unique and deserving of personalized care that transcends clinical routines. With our exceptional team of experts, we bridge the gap between artistry and science, revitalizing smiles and lives.

Discover the journey of dentistry with us at Dentelli, where passion meets precision. Experience the transformation firsthand as we redefine the boundaries of oral health, one smile at a time.

Thank you for taking the time to read our latest blog post. Your eagerness to learn more about dentistry means much to us at Dentelli. Your support and interest in our work is greatly appreciated. We are grateful for clients like you who help us to continue providing valuable information to the community. Thank you again for your time and support.

What is Dentistry All About?
02.04.2023

What is Dentistry All About?

Each year, dentists help thousands of people keep smiling. Dentistry fits into the category of healthcare. In Split, within the realms of healthcare, Dentelli Dental Clinic definitely stands out. For us, dentistry is a noble profession that has a great impact on the patient’s quality of life. It concentrates on the vulnerable part of our body that affects confidence, how you sleep, eat, drink, talk, and breathe.

We emphasize the importance of empathy in our approach to patients, as well as educating our patients on the relevance of oral health and hygiene.

What is Dentistry?

By definition, dentistry is the profession devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other tissues in and around the mouth. Good dental health is a combination of brushing and flossing your teeth along with regular visits to the dentist.

Our dental professionals can help you prevent many dental complications. But do you know what type of dentist you should see? If you aren’t sure what is the difference between an endodontist and an orthodontist, keep reading!

Here are different types of dental specialties and what they do for your teeth and your health in general:

1.   Dental Anthropology and Morphology

Dental anthropology and morphology deal with the anatomy, the genetic influence, and inherited changes in teeth and dental tissues.

2.   Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or restoring damaged teeth structures. For example, it includes procedures like cavity filling or dental implants.

3.   Endodontics

Endodontics focuses on the health of the dental pulp and root tissues. You’ve probably heard someone had a root canal treatment – that’s it. Endodontists work to save your natural tooth.

4.   Gnathology

Gnathology studies the mechanics of the lower and upper jaw, the functions of sound pronunciation, and chewing. For example, if you grind your teeth, you will see a gnathologist.

5.   Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry deals with dental care for children from infancy until adulthood. The first visit to the dentist should be between 2 and 3 years old (when all deciduous teeth come out).

6.   Oral Hygiene and Preventive Dentistry

Oral hygiene and preventive dentistry help maintain good oral health. It is a combination of your proper daily dental care (brushing and flossing) along with regular dental check-ups.

7.   Orthodontics

Orthodontics treats improper positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed, usually with braces. An orthodontist can help you create a better bite and make teeth fit better.

8.   Periodontology

Periodontology treats conditions that affect the gums and the periodontal tissues – the structures that help support the tooth. The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis (a less severe condition that affects the gums), and the second stage is periodontitis (a severe condition that affects the supporting structures).

9.   Oral Surgery

Oral surgery refers to the surgical procedure performed on your teeth, gums, jaws, or other oral structures, like removing your wisdom tooth.

10.                Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics deals with the restoration and replacement of the missing teeth and soft parts of the oral cavity, like the jaw or palate. For example, prostheses are made to help the patient to improve aesthetics, speech, and chewing.

11.                Oral Medicine

Oral medicine is a dental specialty placed between medicine and dentistry. It diagnoses and treats severe conditions that aren’t responsive to standard dental procedures, like life-threatening medical conditions or complex diagnostic problems.

Here at Dentelli boutique Dental Clinic in Split, we offer a wide range of services you can see here.

There is a popular motto that goes like this: Dentistry is the art and science of oral health. Dentelli’s team of dentists confirms this statement. Learn more about what is dentistry with a team of top quality experts at Dentelli.

Most Common Types, Causes and Symptoms of Toothache
02.04.2023

Most Common Types, Causes and Symptoms of Toothache

Today’s blog post is meant to give you more information that could be helpful with self-diagnosing tootchache. Of course, always when noticing a change or pain in your tooth it’s best to call and set your appointment as soon as possible. We can always discuss when you arrive for your checkup what are the most common types causes and symptoms of toothache.

It’s probably clear to everyone that the only way to successfully treat a toothache is to go to the dentist. But for whatever reason, be it financial or bad timing, we sometimes need a little help from the things we have in our kitchen counter. So to help you out, we have compiled a list of best home remedies for a toothache and researched their (in)effectiveness!

Types and causes of toothaches

Dull pain

It most often occurs due to a periodontitis

What is periodontitis?

Plaque forms on the teeth because bacteria that are normally found in the oral cavity come in contact with sugar or starch from food. The bacteria damages the enamel, penetrates the gums and causes inflammation. A so-called “pocket” is created, and tooth loss can occur. You have the feeling that one tooth is taller than the others or that you have something between your teeth.

Sharp, pulsating pain

It is very easy to recognize this type of pain because you feel as if your heart is beating in your mouth. If you are bothered by throbbing pain it means that the source is the tooth itself and home remedies can only help temporarily but the pain will keep returning, until you go to the dentist.

Sensitivity to hot or cold

There are two possible causes of this kind of pain, either the dental nerve is inflamed or the tooth cervix is exposed. In the first case, try putting on ice packs on your face for about 20 minutes with breaks of about half an hour. In the second case, brush your teeth with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a soft toothbrush. 

Swollen face and toothache

If part of your face swells you probably have a root canal infection and a tooth abscess that your dentist must squeeze out and then treat. It sounds awful but the process is quick and the relief you will feel is worth a visit to the dentist. Only a visit to the dentist will help you because this is a sign of a serious infection!

In addition to huge pains, an abscess can lead to poisoning of the whole organism!

Pain while wearing braces

This pain is completely normal and not a big cause for concern. If you have questions about fixed orthodontic therapy for adults, you can read the answers here.

Pain after a visit to the dentist

If you have recently completed prosthetic work such as crowns, bridges or implants and you feel pain while eating it means that the treated area is more elevated. You just need to not chew on the painful side and visit your dentist if the pain continues.

Potentially dangerous methods of home remedies:

Whiskey and brandy

These favorite methods work great if you get drunk so you no longer feel any pain, but alcohol is not the solution to toothache. Some people use these methods in a way that they soak cotton in alcohol, and yes, it can sometimes help. But it generally produces more harm than good.

Hydrogen peroxide

This is a popular method on the internet, but if hydrogen peroxide is used incorrectly, it can cause an even stronger reaction, and you should never swallow it. It can also damage the skin, eyes and respiratory tract!

How to Relieve Toothache in Children?

With children, it’s easiest to use slightly tastier methods like mint tea or just use cold compresses. In any case, avoid all methods where they could swallow something dangerous. You can give the little ones their regular toothpaste and then just rinse their mouths with salt water. We know you already know that you should never give children brandy, but just in case – don’t give them alcohol!

How to Relieve Toothache After a Dentist Visit?

Consult your dentist about possible pain after the procedure or repair, never alleviate the pain on your own.

Is it Necessary to go to The Emergency Room Because of a Toothache?

In some cases yes! If you have the following symptoms with a toothache:

  • Vomit
  • Heavy breathing
  • Body aches
  • Nausea
  • Sweating

Does a Toothache Go Away on its Own?

It may pass but it will always come back. When you cry that you will call the dentist in the morning, and in the morning the toothache goes away, so you do not call the dentist, it is “gone”. It will come back, and it will come back even worse. Remember, when you notice something you are worried about it’s always best to call us and set up an appointment, we will be happy to talk you trough what are the most common types causes and symptoms of toothache.