Dental fear is Common | Our Gentle Dentist Can Help

Dr. Jon Isaacson and Dr. Kelly O'Hara from Lincoln Familiy Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety

At Lincoln Family Dentistry, our gentle dentists feel that no matter what, everyone needs access to dental care. Although you might not realize it, dental fear and dental anxiety can affect your overall health. So, we’re here to help you overcome your dental fear and anxiety.

Dental Fear and Anxiety in Lincoln, NE: You’re Not Alone

Image of a patient who has dental anxiety. Our gentle dentists in Lincoln, NE can help you overcome your dental fears.

Statistics show that about 15 percent of Americans suffer from dental fear. Dental anxiety, or dental fear, is more than just the sweaty palms you may get before seeing a dentist. It’s a paralyzing fear of dentists or dental treatment.

If this sounds like you, keep in mind that you don’t have to avoid getting the dental care you need. At Nebraska Family Dentistry’s Lincoln Family Dentistry location, we have the tools, techniques, and a caring manner to help you face these dental fears. In the end, we can help you keep your mouth healthy.

Image of our compassionate family dentists, Dr. Kelly O'Hara with a patient.

It’s easy to blame mom and dad for shortcomings, but what’s really behind dental fear? While many of our views of dental work can be shaped by our families, a recent study at North Carolina University has shown that an individual’s overall anxiety level is actually a better indicator of how a person tends to react at dental visits. With that being said, there are a few other factors that can contribute to dental fear:

Prior uncomfortable or negative experiences
Feeling helpless or out of control in a dental office situation
Feeling embarrassed about neglecting your teeth
Fears of being ridiculed about neglecting your teeth

A message for patients scared of dentists from Dr. Kelly O’Hara

Dental Fear in Lincoln, NE? It Can Affect Overall Health

In the 1997 film “As Good As It Gets,” we see how anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s interpersonal relationships. Dental fear can actually have a similar effect. Skipping regular dental visits leaves your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay. Ultimately, this allows cavities and bad breath to develop. Self-confidence is compromised as a result. Your social interactions tend to follow suit. Ultimately, your fears begin to dictate your social life.

Even more, the physical consequences of a fear of the dentist can be quite serious. Without regular dental visits, your teeth and gums can become chronically infected. Ultimately, this can impact your ability to chew and digest food properly. In addition, it can affect speech patterns. It’s also possible over time, for chronic gum infection to lead to heart disease.

When your anxiety begins to impact your physical well-being, it’s time to re-evaluate. You must find a solution.

Overcoming fears of the dentist

Here are a few methods that we have found to be successful for patients with dental anxiety:

Sedation dentistry
Yoga techniques for breathing and relaxation
Listening to your iPod® during visits
Therapy/hypnotherapy sessions

Fearing the dental experience is not insurmountable. Trying some of these methods can help alleviate dental anxiety. Also, keeping in regular contact with your dentist can keep your smile healthy and happy. Schedule an appointment today to get excellent dental care from Lincoln Family Dentistry’s caring dentists. Our dentists often cater to anxious patients.