Millions of Americans across the country are afraid of visiting the dentist, and the media may only be exacerbating the problem. The way that dentists tend to be portrayed in movies and television can make already anxious individuals even more adverse to seeking dental care. Below is a closer look at how dentistry is presented in the media – as well as why visiting the dentist in real life is nothing to be afraid of!
Dentistry in the Media
Many movies play into the idea that dentistry is painful by portraying dentists as outright sadistic. A particularly famous example is Little Shop of Horrors, which features Steve Martin playing a dentist who explicitly states that he enjoys inflicting pain on his patients. There is also the 1976 suspense-thriller film Marathon Man, which portrays a Nazi war-criminal dentist committing torture.
Other movies show dentists as incompetent or uncaring. For example, in Finding Nemo, the dentist character extracts a tooth too quickly and causes pain for his patient. In The Whole Nine Yards, there’s a dentist who accidentally gives their patients too much nitrous oxide, which nearly kills them.
These types of portrayals can contribute to the idea that dentistry can be painful or frightening, which may make some people less likely to visit the dentist even for routine care.
Why There’s No Need to Fear the Dentist
In real life, dentists do all they can to help their patients have comfortable, stress-free experiences. You can always count on your dental team to take whatever steps are necessary to keep your discomfort to a minimum while you’re in the dental chair. For example, if you need to have an invasive procedure performed, your mouth may be numbed with a local anesthetic to prevent you from experiencing any pain.
On top of that, the process of becoming a dentist requires extensive training and many years of education. As such, you can trust your dentist to know what they’re doing while they’re treating your teeth and gums.
How Can You Get Your Dental Fears Under Control?
Of course, even if you know that there’s no reason to be afraid of the dentist, you may still have some level of dental anxiety. Fortunately, your dentist can help you put your fears to rest with sedation dentistry. The right form of sedation can keep you in a relaxed state while you’re in the dental chair, allowing you to stay calm and comfortable throughout your treatment.
Visiting the dentist is essential for maintaining a healthy, functional smile. Don’t let your feelings of anxiety discourage you from seeking the high-quality dental care you deserve!
About the Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, our dentists pride themselves on providing exceptional care for all of our patients. You can count on us to fully personalize the treatments we provide to meet your unique needs. If you’re nervous about your upcoming treatment, we can help you calm your nerves with a suitable form of sedation dentistry. If it has been a while since the last time you saw a dentist, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Long Island City by visiting our website, using our online reservation tool, or calling (718) 530-6539.