Ask a Dentist

May 6, 2022

Q: What Happens When You Haven’t Been To The Dentist In Years?

Dental Image Therapy Centres located next to Winners

Haven’t visited a dentist in years? This bad habit is quite common among Canadians. Three out of four Canadians see a dentist at least once a year, according to the Canadian Dental Association, which means the other one out of four haven’t been to the dentist in years or perhaps have never been. 

If you haven’t been to the dentist in ages, firstly, you don’t have to be embarrassed or ashamed. Our dental professionals at Dental Image Therapy Centres see teeth of all shapes and sizes, including some very healthy teeth and some that require dental treatment. No matter how long it has been, it’s never too late to get back into the dental chair. 

Common Reasons People Aren't Going To The Dentist

The reasons why someone might skip the dentist varies. 

  • Many patients experience dental anxiety and choose to forego an appointment altogether even if they’re in pain. 
  • Other people might be concerned about the cost of cleaning or dental procedure, especially if they don’t have insurance or benefits. 
  • If a dental clinic isn’t located nearby or doesn't have flexible hours, it can be hard to coordinate an appointment with a busy schedule. 

Recently, COVID-19 has been another reason why people have missed checkups and cleanings, but we’d like to assure you that our dental offices implement special safety protocols to ensure patients remain safe and healthy. 

What Can You Expect During Your Dental Appointment

You’ll probably have a significant amount of plaque stuck on your teeth if you haven’t been to the dentist for a while. Because of this, your hygienist may take longer to professionally clean each tooth, especially if you’ve never had your teeth professionally cleaned before. You can reduce your time on the dental chair by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist for a regular exam. 

After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, a dentist will carefully inspect for signs of cavities or gum disease. They also look for oral cancer symptoms. If you’ve neglected visiting the dentist for a long period of time, there’s a good chance you may have a cavity that requires attention. This means that your dentist may recommend you make a follow-up appointment for a filling or a more complex procedure. 

You’ll find our clinics offer an open and warm environment. Whether you’d like to come in for a regular checkup or want to overcome your dental phobia, we can help you get your oral health back to where it needs to be - no judgement here! Your comfort is one of our priorities.

Book an appointment today with one of our Winnipeg clinics in Garden City Shopping Centre and St. Vital Centre.

Book Your Next Dental Appointment Today

Maybe it's time for your and your family's regular checkup and cleaning, you have a toothache or you need to get your treatment plan going - whatever the reason, we're here to help you get your confident smile. Whether you're a new patient or a returning friend, we can't wait to see you at your next appointment at either of our Winnipeg clinics!

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