Dental Phobia:
Fear of the Dentist
Dental phobia is a real concern and we understand. At Lincoln Family Dentistry, we want you to know that we care. We understand that past experiences can play a significant role in the feelings that you are experiencing today. Our compassionate and gentle team will do everything possible to make sure that your visit with us is comfortable. We offer many amenities to ensure that the time you in our dental clinic is positive. If you are a new patient looking for gentle care, give us a try. We would love nothing more than to be a part of your happy, healthy smile. Here we’ll discuss:
How do I get over my fear of dental work?
Dr. O’Hara explains how she can help YOU!

Dr. Kelly O’Hara has a message for patients who are scared or fearful of dental work:
If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone—millions of people suffer from dental phobia and say they dread going to the dentist because they fear the discomfort associated with dental work. We recognize this and want to change your opinion of the dentist. We invite you to visit us and promise you’ll feel right at home with our caring dentists in Lincoln, NE who always opt for the least invasive solution.
Previous Negative Experiences or Unsympathetic Dentists
Many of our patients say they have endured an uncomfortable procedure at a different dentist, or they are afraid of needles. Sometimes a bad experience involves a dentist who did not take the time to make the patient feel comfortable or fully explain the procedure. We ask questions to understand your fears and concerns before any procedure to help you relax. You’ll always feel better after a tooth or gum issue is resolved. We don’t rush or push our patients. We know it’s your smile, your health, and your choice.
Embarrassment
Some patients who have neglected their oral health and teeth for years say they’re too embarrassed and fear what the dentist might say because they’ve been ridiculed or belittled in the past. Our team understands that time slips by—all of a sudden it’s been years since your last dental appointment. We are very sensitive to patients’ feelings, and are so glad to see those patients who’ve missed one, two, or ten cleanings because they’ve now chosen to improve their dental health. We care too much about your health to let you go another day without the oral health care you deserve.
Fear of Dental Procedures
Many of our patients say they fear dental instruments because they can trigger their gag reflex, making it difficult to breathe and causing anxiety. I take my time with each patient, talking through this fear and use techniques that keep my patients comfortable. I also understand feeling anxious or even a bit scared of some of the procedures, but a regular checkup can stop many gum and tooth problems before they start, saving you from developing a very uncomfortable abscess, or cavity and an expensive bill. Last, I will always give you several options to choose from if you need a procedure.
We Care About Your Concerns
I want to hear about your past experiences and what I can do to make them better, thus easing your dental anxiety. I enjoy learning about all of my patients, and I can promise I have heard your concern from one or 100 other people. I’m sympathetic to these fears and value your decision to improve your dental health, regardless of how damaged your teeth or gums might currently be. I have seen it and heard it all. I care about my patients and want to give you a healthy smile and see you for regular dental cleanings and checkups.
We’ll Explain Everything
I will go through every step of the procedure, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, relieving the fear of the unknown. I will explain things in non-technical, easy-to-understand terms.
Breathe a Sigh of Relief and Relax
Relaxation is vital to a positive dental experience. We play relaxing music, show movies, offer a variety of television programs, and even burn scented candles to mask any clinical smells. In addition, we also have a variety of sedation dentistry options to make sure you’re comfortable. There is dental phobia help. We want to make sure you get the dental care you deserve!
Advanced Techniques for Injections
First, I will apply a numbing gel to your gums before any injection to make sure you don’t feel anything. I give injections slowly, reducing pressure significantly. Finally, I enjoy talking to you to distract you from the injection. This three-step process works like a charm.
My team and I go out of our way to ensure you feel at home. We take the time to understand all of your concerns because we genuinely care. Let us help improve your health with most advanced dental techniques in a soothing, relaxing environment. We are the gentle dentists in Lincoln, NE.
I look forward to meeting you soon!
Wishing you Health and Happiness,
Dr. Kelly O’Hara
The information on this page was written by Dr. Kelly O’Hara.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “I perform gentle dentistry for the entire family and focus on children’s dentistry, extreme smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry and placing mercury-free dental fillings. Moreover, I also want to provide a better quality of life to patients who have lost their teeth by making implant retained dentures. I have many goals, but one that is very important to many of us: to keep dentistry affordable by taking all of the primary dental plans and by also offering dental payment plans to patients that seek them. I am fully committed to making sure all patients feel comfortable while in my care.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or his partners, online 24/7 at a Lincoln Family Dentistry Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Eagle, Walton, Weeping Water, Avoca, and many more!
Schedule Day or Night
Schedule your dental appointment at anytime of the day or night with our online scheduling.

We have 7 locations in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry – Northeast Lincoln
Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
Lincoln Dental Plans – Affordable Dental Options
Nebraska Family Dentistry