I Have Dental Anxiety – What Can I Do?

Dental anxiety can be a crippling problem. People who have dental anxiety often struggle to make appointments with the dentist, and if they do make an appointment, some people will cancel at the last minute because of their fears.

If you have dental anxieties, get help from your dentist in Burington, MA. Working with your dentist, you can work through your dental anxieties and manage your fears. Here’s what you need to know.

What Can I Do To Alleviate Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is very personal, and manifests itself in different ways. Some people have a hard time sitting still in the dentist’s chair, others get so nervous they actively avoid making appointments with the dentist. If you have dental anxiety, the best thing you can do to alleviate your anxiety is to talk to your dentist.

Your dentist should have a range of strategies to help you fight your anxiety. Sedation dentistry is one of those strategies. Using sedation dentistry, you can make visiting the dentist much easier and more comfortable overall.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of sedation during dental appointments. There are different types of sedation that your dentist may use during your dental appointments, including nitrous oxide and conscious oral sedation.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can help you feel calm during your dental appointment. Nitrous oxide is one of the most common types of sedation dentistry. It’s fast acting, and it leaves your system fast too, so you can drive home when the dental appointment is over.

Do you have questions about sedation dentistry in Burlington, MA? Do you want to learn more about how sedation dentistry works? Speak to your dentist. Call today to learn more about how sedation can make going to the dentist easier.

What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?

Mouth cancer is a serious condition that starts when cells in the mouth begin to mutate. Mouth cancer can form in many parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheek, and roof of the mouth.

Oral cancer is often caught late and can be very serious as a result, so it’s important to recognize the signs of oral cancer when they begin to manifest. Your dentist in Burlington MA can help. We provide oral cancer exams to help our patients identify oral cancer. Here’s what to know.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a condition that happens when the cells in the mouth – any part of the mouth – begin to mutate and spread.

Signs of Oral Cancer

There are many signs of oral cancer. These signs commonly go overlooked. When this happens, oral cancer can get very serious before it’s ever treatable. Here’s what to watch for:

  • A patch of white or red on the inside of your mouth
  • A sore that won’t go away
  • Loose permanent teeth
  • Ear pain
  • Mouth pain
  • Sore throat, painful swallowing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Lump inside the mouth

If you have any of the symptoms above, see a dentist as soon as possible.

How Can I Find Out If I Have Oral Cancer?

Your dentist can examine your mouth for oral cancer. If you have signs of oral cancer, your dentist can give you an examination and tell you whether you need a biopsy. If you think you might have oral cancer, it’s important to get an oral cancer exam in Burlington, MA. Don’t wait to get help – contact a dental professional as soon as possible.