For Nervous Patients

Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety – Are they Common?

Dental fear and dental anxiety are experienced by many. Often times, past experiences play a factor in the feelings you experience today. Whether you had a previous bad dental visit, or a dentist who was unsympathetic, the feelings you have are valid. While these feelings are nothing to be ashamed of, they are many times the driving force for keeping patients away from routine dental care.

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. In our article we’ll cover:

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

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.

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.

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 dentist in Lincoln, NE, or her 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!