Blake Nelson, DDS
Middle aged man smiling after going to the dentist, winston-salem nc

Haven't Been to the Dentist in Years? Here's What to Expect

September 4, 2024
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Posted By: Dr. Blake Nelson
Woman with both hands on face in shock, winston-salem nc

Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and no one wants to see stained, broken, or missing teeth when they look in the mirror. That’s why we recommend scheduling a dental visit every six months for a routine exam and professional cleaning, but what if you avoid the dentist? Is there hope for you?

Haven’t Been to the Dentist in 5 Years?

The Blake Nelson DDS dental team understands the stress and anxiety associated with dental visits. We assure you there’s no reason to be embarrassed if you haven’t been to the dentist in five years or more. Even if it has been ten or 15 years since you stepped into a dental office, we encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can assess your current oral health condition and create a treatment plan suited to your needs.

We realize there are many different reasons for not going to the dentist, including the following:

  • Busy schedules
  • Dental anxiety
  • Financial stress
  • Embarrassment
  • Uncertainty

Your oral health is our top priority, and we’d love to see you in our dental office.

Consequences of Not Visiting the Dentist and How Blake Nelson, DDS, Can Help

Avoiding the dentist can lead to poor oral health and tooth loss. Here are some of the most common consequences of not visiting the dentist:

  • Gum disease — If you don’t go to the dentist, bacteria can linger in your mouth too long, causing plaque and tartar to form. This can lead to swollen, bleeding gums and bad breath associated with gum disease. Our dental office offers deep cleanings to stop the progression of gum disease, and if you have dental anxiety, we offer sedation options to help you receive the treatment you deserve.
  • Cavities — Consistently missing dental appointments can lead to tooth decay when plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Plaque contains acidic bacteria that penetrate your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Fortunately, we can remove the decay and replace it with tooth-colored composite resin. No one will even know you have a filling!
  • Tooth infections — Regular dental visits can prevent tooth infections. These infections are caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, a cracked or broken tooth, or poor dental hygiene. We can create a treatment plan using fillings, crowns, dental implants, veneers, or dentures to restore your smile.

Contact Our Winston-Salem, NC, Dental Office to Get Back on Track

At Blake Nelson, DDS, we would love to provide judgment-free dental care to you and your loved ones! You can contact our dental office by calling or texting (336) 760-1277 or through our email portal on our website’s contact page.

You’re just a phone call away from scheduling your next teeth cleaning or general dentistry appointment; we will welcome you with open arms and get your oral health back on track. If you need help with financing, go to https://www.dentistwinstonsalemnc.com/financial-info for more information.

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