North Shore Dentist Shares Patient's Top Five Questions & Fears

If you’re afraid of going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Experts liken the fear of going to the dentist as similar to the rates of people who fear snakes or heights. 

To put you at ease and alleviate any fears, Dr. Dino Mantis of Mantis Dentistry and Implant Center is sharing the five most common questions he hears in his office. 

“Modern technology has advanced to make dental work comfortable, quick and durable,” explains Dr. Mantis. “The reward for taking care of your teeth is a beautiful, healthy smile.” 

Here are the five most common questions he hears from patients: 

I'm scared of going to the dentist. What should I do? 

Many people avoid dental visits because of anxiety and fear. However, dentistry has come very far, and there are many ways we can make you comfortable during your visit.  We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation and even IV sedation. Sedation dentistry is a safe way of making you comfortable during dental work.  It allows you to retain consciousness in a state of deep relaxation. Some patients even fall asleep during their appointment. 

Do I really have to wear metal braces to straighten my teeth? 

The orthodontic solution for everyone may be different based upon their personal dental diagnosis. For some, metal braces may be required. For others, invisible braces or veneers may be an option. 

Invisible Braces

Sometimes called "invisible braces," Clear Correct uses a series of removable custom-made plastic aligners. Every three weeks the aligners are replaced, each one gradually straightening teeth. Aligners can be removed for meals and are more comfortable than traditional braces. 

Veneers

Veneers look, feel, and function like a natural tooth in addition to hiding stains, chips or gaps in your smile. DURAthin veneers are as thin as contact lenses and constructed of resilient porcelain. They require no drilling or shaving of the tooth and last roughly 20 years.

Traditional Braces

In certain cases, traditional braces are the best option. We offer a specialized wire and bracket system called Tip-Edge. With this system our patients typically have a more comfortable experience and a quicker result. The average time in braces is 1.5 years.  Should patients need it, we can also perform a bite correction after treatment. 

My tooth is cracked. Is this going to be bad? 

A cracked tooth is no fun, but we offer several comfortable solutions. If a tooth is cracked on the top, we may be able to treat it with a simple composite filling in one visit. Some cracks may be beyond repair and will require a crown to save the tooth. If the tooth is cracked underneath the gum line, we replace the tooth and put in an implant topped with a crown.

My gums are bleeding. Is that normal?

Healthy gums do not bleed. Many dentists treat bleeding gums with a deep cleaning, but it is necessary to treat the underlying issue. To properly diagnose the problem, we perform an OralDNA test with a simple rinse of the mouth. This tells us what bacteria are causing the problem. Then we work with your general physician to prescribe the right antibiotic to treat it. Finally, we do a full mouth disinfection and bring it to the correct PH balance through customized rinses. Most gum surgeries can be avoided using this science-based technique.

Nothing in my mouth hurts. Why do I need to come in? 

Dental care can be expensive - but preventive care is not. Keeping up with preventive dental care will reduce treatment in the future. Something as simple as a minor cavity can quickly grow into a cracked tooth that requires an implant. Stop a problem before it starts! We can keep your teeth healthy so you won't need expensive dental work in the future.

In practice since 1987, Dr. Dino Mantis has extensive experience and expertise in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, family dentistry, orthodontics, implants and more. He has received advanced training from some of the top names in the field of dentistry. Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center is located at 1625 N Sheridan Road in Wilmette, Illinois and serves the Evanston, Wilmette and North Shore area. For more information, visit DrDinoMantis.com or call 866-642-2006.