While we hope all our patients here at Josey Lane are looking forward to coming to their bi-annual cleanings, we know that many of you suffer from dental anxiety. This anxiety can make it easy to come up with a list of reasons why you want to skip your dental appointments.
Many reasons to skip appointments like being “too busy” or unsure about your schedule are not substantial enough that we recommend canceling. However, there are several valid and serious reasons why you should call and work with us to find a new time for an appointment.
When your next cleaning comes up and you have questions regarding what is considered a legitimate reason to cancel, we’ve compiled a list of reasons when we would suggest canceling. If you have any questions or concerns, always call our office and speak to one of our experts!
- Illness
It’s one of the worst flu seasons on record, so it it’s important to proceed with caution when you think you could be infected.
The first thing to consider before canceling a dental appointment is to determine how sick you are. We understand that everyone has different tolerance levels for illness, but we all know the tell-tale signs of a serious infection. Ask yourself, am I so miserable that I couldn’t make it through an exam? This includes your ability to breathe through your nose. Also, if you actively have a fever and remain contagious it is important you cancel your exam.
Many viruses are airborne, so coming in to the dentist could easily spread the illness among our staff and other patients. If you have any concerns about how you are feeling at your appointment or are experiencing any discomfort during the visit, please raise the concerns with one of our staff members and we will immediately work to remedy the situation.
- Cold sore outbreak
The rule of thumb for those suffering from a cold sore is to postpone any non-emergency dentist visits until the lesion has healed completely. Cold sores carry a live virus inside of them that could be spread during your appointment. The virus can spread to other areas, such as the eye, which can result in serious complications. Even with our dentists and hygienists using precautions, it is possible the virus can be transmitted to another person, too. Due to this risk, it is important to wait until the cold sore has scabbed over and that viral exposure is no longer a risk.
- Change in or loss of dental insurance
If you scheduled an appointment months ago, but now find yourself without dental insurance, don’t assume you have to cancel your appointment—but be prepared to do your homework and know what your best option is.
Skipping appointments can be detrimental to your oral health and could lead to more costly complications in the future. If your insurance situation suddenly changes, please call our office to discuss the options available. For example, if you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, you could use funds in there to cover any out-of-pocket costs. These vehicles are great for those that don’t have insurance.
We understand that canceling your dental appointment and rescheduling can be a hassle and could mean waiting a few more weeks before coming in for a cleaning. If you are desperate for that fresh-out-of-the-dentist polished feeling, then ensure you maintain good brushing and flossing routines in the interim.
In addition, consider foregoing sugary beverages such as soda, and increase the amount of firm, crisp foods in your diet (like apples and carrots) that act as natural toothbrushes. While these tips will never compensate for a trip to our office on Josey Lane, they will help you maintain a healthy smile while you wait for your appointment!
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