Does Age Have Anything To Do With Dental Fear Levels?

Posted on Aug 11, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you think that 65+ adults have more dental fear than younger adults, a recent study dispels that assumption. Based on careful analysis of 1,400 participants, no age group has any more or less than another.

The origin of dental fear today often stems from traumatic experiences of the past. Couple this with the fact that a number of older adults experienced dental care during a time that was less focused on comfort than today. Thus, the assumption has been that they have higher fear levels.

However, to determine if the age of an individual is actually a factor in dental fear, 1,400 adults of all ages were categorized by age, sex, education and frequency of dental visits. Each completed a questionnaire that was specifically designed to measure dental anxiety and fear levels.

The findings, published by the National Institutes of Health, were based on comparisons of five age groups. While female participants showed higher fear levels (approx. 10%) than males (8%), there was insignificant difference between any of the five age groups. Only study participants who did not complete high school and those who had avoided dental care showed higher fear levels.

Also reviewed in the study were factors that triggered fear, most often occurring in the form of increased heart rates. The most common element that created anxiety or fear was perceived pain from seeing the needle. To adults with deeply-embedded dental fear, perceived pain is just as uncomfortable as real pain.

Often due to fear issues, many patients come to us because their lack of dental care has resulted in the need for periodontal treatment. And, as a Periodontist, I also place dental implants in a number who lose teeth due to advanced periodontal disease.

Our goal is to provide an environment that is sensitive to the comfort of ALL patients. We offer relaxation medications and a staff who are specially trained to attend to the unique needs of fearful patients. Once patients realize our commitment to their comfort, long overdue dental treatment can often begin without fear.

If anxiety or fear has prevented you from a healthy smile, consider beginning with a consultation. In this, we’ll sit in a private room that’s removed from the clinical side of the practice. Begin by speaking with our friendly phone staff so we can personally discuss the many features available to optimize your comfort at all times. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an appointment that is convenient for you.

Is Dental Fear Destroying Your Smile?

Posted on Mar 09, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Fortunately, many of today’s dentists are more sensitive to patient concerns when it comes to dental fear and anxiety. Most understand the need to be communicative before and during procedures, take ample time during numbing procedures and offer options to enhance comfort. However, for those who are ages 50 and over, memories of a traumatic experience in the past can remain embedded for decades. These memories can interfere or even prevent people from receiving the care they need to enjoy a healthy, confident smile.

For those who’ve avoided regular dental care because of fear, your smile isn’t the only thing that takes the brunt of its effects. Not having regular dental cleanings and check-ups places you at a higher risk for gum disease. This destroys gum tissue, teeth and supporting bones. It also increases your risk for more severe health problems. The bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in oral tissues, triggering inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. It has been attributed to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy smile while instilling a sense of trust. The LAST thing we want is for you to feel uncomfortable! Begin by arranging a consultation appointment. This way, I can answer your questions thoroughly and discuss comfort options to help you relax.

Your smile should be a positive part of your health, appearance and self-confidence. Don’t let an unfortunate experience from your past keep you from the terrific smile you deserve! Call (828) 274-9440 to speak to our caring phone staff.

Does Dental Fear Lead To Gum Disease?

Posted on Jan 28, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I’ve always found it interesting that the percentage of American adults who have some level of dental fear (estimated at 75%) nearly parallels the percentage of adults ages 65+ who have some level of gum disease (70%).

It is the 65+  age group who endured dentistry in a different atmosphere than in most modern dental offices today. While today’s generation has a wide choice of dentists with reputations for gentle care who are attuned to the unique needs of fearful patients, many in the 65+ age group can recall less-than-pleasant experiences. Those born before 1949 also have the highest percentage of lost teeth and being totally edentulous (without any teeth).

Lack of regular dental care leads to the formation of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and health risks from oral bacteria, which can trigger systemic inflammation. The inflammatory reactions have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, preterm babies, and even impotency.

Dental fear is a major factor in the frequency of dental visits among a large percentage of aging adults. If fear has kept you from regular dental visits, regardless of your age, you will find today’s dental environments are highly sensitive to your comfort throughout each visit. Sedation options are available in most offices, however, finding a dentist you trust will have the best impact on your ability to release past fears and achieve the smile you desire.

If you are behind on regular dental exams and cleanings, call our office for a full periodontal exam. Chances are you have some level of gum disease. Once your mouth is restored to a healthy state, we can make recommendations to help you fulfill other needs for a confident smile! Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

 

Don’t Let Dental Fear Ruin Your Smile

Posted on Nov 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Nearly seventy percent of American adults have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Some even have such high fear levels that they are categorized as dental phobics. These people become so upset at the mere thoughts of dental visits that physical reactions such as breaking out in a sweat or even crying occur.

Some adults who have dental fears aren’t sure of the origins, although others have vivid memories of when these fears began, perhaps of a dentist who failed to get them fully numb and began a procedure despite their pleas.

Today, dentistry has made much progress in comfort options. Additionally, most dentists are more sensitive to fearful patients. Some offices feature options such as topical numbing before injections, headsets with soothing music, and ergonomically designed treatment chairs. These features help to relax patients and make them more comfortable throughout their procedure.

For optimal relaxation, some offices also offer oral sedation while others are also certified and equipped to provide I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”). For procedures that do not require the sedation depths of I.V. sedation, we recommend oral sedation. Oral sedation provides exceptional relaxation, leaving little or no memory of the procedure afterwards. Oral sedation also has a faster recovery than I.V. sedation and is less expensive.

For patients who prefer a deeper level of sedation, we recommend I.V. sedation. This places patients in a sleep-like state for optimal relaxation. Many fearful patients like its ability to erase memory of the procedure afterward. With both oral and I.V. sedation, numbing is still provided but injections are delivered after the patient is in a totally relaxed state.

Regardless of the comfort option you select, it is important to choose the dentist that is right for you. For some, just making the appointment and getting in the door for the initial visit is a traumatic process. It may be helpful to go to the office after-hours and walk to the front door to become familiar with its location and appearance.

I suggest starting with a consultation so you can meet the dentist and explain your concerns. This will help you determine if the practice is going to be a good fit for your particular needs. Often, fearful patients relax a great deal just from meeting the ‘right doctor.’ I urge you to find one who assures you that your comfort is a priority at all times.

If you have delayed dental care due to fear, the sooner you are seen the more you’ll save in treatment time and expense. Begin with a periodontal consultation to learn how your fears can be overcome so your oral health can be restored to a healthy state. Call (828) 274-9440.