Twickenham Family Dentistry
Dr. Brian Cook
Black woman looking at her teeth in a handheld mirror at a dentist office, huntsville al

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

September 20, 2024
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Posted By: Dr. Brian K. Cook
Woman dentist showing patient his x-rays, huntsville al

Updated in November of 2025

Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Five Years?

What you can expect from your Huntsville dentist is a warm welcome back to regular dental care—whether you’ve spent five years or decades away!

The team at Twickenham Family Dentistry understands how finances, fear, and life circumstances can keep patients out of the dental chair. We understand embarrassment if you’ve waited too long. Maybe teeth are missing. Maybe decay is advanced. No matter! We are here for you. Our goal is to get you back on course for oral health success.

Typically, we start you with a comprehensive exam and teeth cleaning. In this case, we may have you come in for a thorough assessment first to address any immediate needs.

We’ll ensure your comfort and relaxation and provide a pain-free return to dental care.

Why People Avoid the Dentist for Years

Patients often tell us:

  • “I was afraid you would judge me.”
  • “I knew it had been too long, so I kept putting it off.”
  • “Money was tight.”
  • “I was nervous about what you might find.”
  • “I had dental anxiety from childhood.”

We hear these things every day. Whatever your reason, we understand it, and we know how to help you move forward.

3 Consequences of Not Visiting the Dentist and How Twickenham Family Dentistry Can Help

We aim to save your smile and prevent the oral and physical complications that can occur when you stop seeing the dentist. Below are a few common complications.

  • Gum Disease — Gum disease is a severe consequence when you stop seeing the dentist. This condition is especially concerning because it can have systemic implications. For example, studies link untreated gum disease to pulmonary and pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s disease.  
  • Tooth Decay — Untreated tooth decay puts you at risk for tooth breakage, loss, and severe tooth infections. Deep decay also means crowning instead of a filling to save the tooth.
  • Tooth Infections — Tooth infections cause severe toothaches and swelling and put you at risk for infection spread.

We treat gum disease to lower your risks for complications. In early gum disease, we can even reverse the condition. Your dentist also provides painless tooth decay treatment and root canal therapy in Huntsville. The latter rids your tooth of pain and infection.

You Are Safe Here

A message for patients returning after years away. Twickenham Family Dentistry is a judgment-free practice. We specialize in helping patients who have avoided the dentist for long stretches, whether from fear or finances or life simply getting busy.

We do not shame you.
We do not rush you.
We do not pressure you.

We meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.

Contact Our Huntsville Dental Office to Get Back on Track

Whether it has been five years or twenty, your return can be a fresh start. To schedule your visit, contact Twickenham Family Dentistry at (256) 539-4079 or submit a request through our contact form.

Ask us about:

  • Our Patient Appreciation Plan
  • Our in-office Membership Plan
  • Current specials
  • Financing options through Proceed and CareCredit

You deserve a healthy, comfortable smile and a dental team who makes the process easier, not harder. We are ready when you are.

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