Cosmetic Dentists in Chicago Debunk Common Myths About Dental Pain

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 2, 2012) - With the latest statistics from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reporting that only 60% of all adults in America have been to the dentist in the past year, Chicago dentists at the Dental Implant Associates say regular dental cleanings have become even more essential to ridding patients of gum disease and potentially dangerous oral health complications. Dentists at the Dental Implant Associates attribute the lack of consistent dental care to several causes; however, phobias and anxieties about treatment seem to be a common worry amongst the general population. The Dental Implant Associates says many of its patients are concerned about the discomfort often associated with dental procedures such as root canals or dental implants in Chicago.

According to the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), nearly 75% of American adults are suffering from various forms of gum disease and are unaware of their condition. While gum disease and other undetected oral hygiene concerns can lead to tooth loss and other serious problems, dentists at the Dental Implant Associates say people often fear the pain and discomfort of treatment more than the disease itself. Because of anxiety, the practice says many patients skip appointments in the hopes of avoiding discomfort; however, patients can often avoid future pain by scheduling regular cleanings with their dentist.

"Very few of the patients we treat in our office are phobic. Unfortunately, most dental phobic patients don't see a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This fear results in a number of people being treated only for emergency care as necessary, which is usually much more painful and can reinforce the patients' phobia. It is often difficult to educate them, help them overcome their fears, and make them understand that routine visits with the hygienist and dentist are not painful and can avoid many future problems and treatment," says Dr. Steven Flicker, a cosmetic and implant dentist with the group.

At their office for general and cosmetic dentistry in Chicago, the Dental Implant Associates say certain procedures cause more anxiety in patients than others, particularly root canals, although patient worries are often without basis. "Probably the procedure with the worst reputation is the root canal. In reality, the procedure is pain-free 90% of the time. The exception being when the patient has allowed an infection to develop or decay to reach the nerve, again, by avoiding seeing the dentist in the first place. We make every effort to make the patient experience as pleasant and pain-free as possible," says Dr. Flicker.

While Dr. Flicker says he recognizes the anxieties about painful dental treatment are common, he adds that they are often founded in early techniques before anesthesia and sedation were widespread. He says thanks to advancements in modern dental technology, routine cleanings and procedures are now designed to be comfortable, efficient, and effective: "All our procedures are done with local anesthetic and nitrous oxide sedation as necessary. All procedures are explained to the patient prior to treatment and all questions are answered. Our office is very patient-friendly. Most employees have been here 10 to 20 years and know the patients. Patients see familiar, friendly faces that treat them more like old friends than patients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting."

Whether they are looking for a root canal or simply a dentist in Chicago, Dr. Flicker and the Dental Implant Associates encourage patients to seek consistent care from a qualified and experienced practice. By maintaining a strict regimen of oral hygiene practices and routine cleanings, Dr. Flicker says patients can avoid a painful experience and enjoy the benefits of a clean, healthy mouth.

About Steven Flicker, DDS

Dr. Steven Flicker graduated from the University of Illinois, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Science degrees. He has over 35 years in experience as an implant and cosmetic dentist, during which time he has received several awards from the Chicago Dental Society and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Dr. Flicker is a Fellow of the AAID and has served as a past officer in the Midwest branch of the organization.

About the Dental Implant Associates

With a diverse team of general, implant, and cosmetic dentists, the Dental Implant Associates has a combined total of over 100 years of experience in advanced techniques and dental procedures. Their Chicago dental office provides procedures ranging from porcelain veneers and dental implants to family dentistry, dental emergencies, and dentures with their own on-site dental laboratory.

The Dental Implant Associates are located at 6258 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, IL, reachable at (773) 449-5037. It can also be contacted online via the website dentalimplantassociates.com or the Dental Implant Associates Facebook page.