Dental Fear? Dental Phobia? You’re Not Alone.

Posted on Nov 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although an estimated 75% of American adults have some level of dental anxiety, approximately 10% of the adult population are categorized as dental phobics. These are people who have such severe fears that the mere thoughts of going to the dentist is unnerving. Many dental phobics can’t even bring themselves to call a dental office without breaking into a sweat or even crying.

Most dental fears stem from a past traumatic experience in the dental chair, often as a child. These memories become so ingrained that anything associated with dental visits recreates the trauma in their minds.

Today, many dentists are especially sensitive to individuals who have dental fear and phobia. However, before they can help them enjoy a healthy smile, it is necessary to get them into their office in the first place. As a Periodontist, I am concerned that the high number of adults with some level of gum disease is about the same percentage of those with dental phobia, fear or anxiety.

If you have dental fear or phobia, here are a few suggestions that may help you take that first step…

• If you cannot make the call yourself, have a close friend or family member call several dental offices and ask questions (Is the dentist trained and experienced in treating fearful patients? What comfort options are available? Do they offer a consultation so fearful patients can get to know the dentist before scheduling an appointment? Etc.)
• Consider visiting your chosen dental office after hours. Walk to the front door and become familiar with the office’s location and its appearance.
• When a dentist does not have a consultation room that is removed from the clinical section of the office, certain noises and smells can create discomfort for fearful patients. If the consultation must take place in a treatment suite, it may be best to look for another office.
• Most dentists experienced with fearful patients understand their need to share their concerns. They will listen without rushing the patient and answer their questions using easy-to-understand terms. The individual should leave feeling reassured about the dentist’s commitment to their comfort.
• Many offices offer Oral Sedation, which is in pill form and taken prior to the visit. This helps the patient to be in a relaxed state by the time they arrive at the office. For those who prefer a ‘twilight sleep’ state, ask if I.V. Sedation is available.
• When sedation is used, ask about safety monitoring equipment and training of staff members who will be assisting the dentist. Your safety is as important as your comfort.

Taking small steps at a comfortable pace is typically how most patients conquer dental fears and phobia. Some people will never be able to have dental care without anxiety, but in the proper hands, can accomplish the treatment necessary for a healthy mouth and confident smile.

If you have not seen a dentist in years and have gums that are tender, swollen in spots or bleed when you brush, you have gum disease. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and will only worsen without treatment. Additionally, the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, perterm babies and more.

The sooner you receive treatment, the less involved it will be. And, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy a terrific smile. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. A pleasant conversation in our private consultation room may be your first step to optimal oral health.

Is Your Potential For Tooth Loss High?

Posted on Oct 31, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The latest (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that adult tooth loss in the U.S. has decreased from the early 1970s. Yet, percentages remain high and vary according to age range, race and sex.

For example, adults between ages 20 – 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth rather than 32 in a normal adult mouth. Nearly 4% of adults in this same age group have no remaining teeth. For adults ages 65 – 74, both male and female averaged approximately 19 remaining teeth.

Older adults, Black and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes were shown to have higher percentages for being totally edentulous (no remaining teeth).

Males showed slightly higher averages in tooth loss than females while current smokers averaged having only 23.47 teeth. Non-smokers (never smoked) had nearly 26 remaining teeth. Nearly half of smokers ages 65 – 74 had lost all teeth versus about 22% of the same age group who had never smoked.

Your teeth are much more than mere components of a smile. While teeth can be replaced with dentures, partials, crown-&-bridge combinations and Dental Implants, there is nothing as dependable as healthy, natural teeth. Your teeth affect your appearance, self-confidence and self-esteem. They are also an important part of the digestive process and help to maintain a healthy jaw bone mass.

Renew your commitment to have a healthy smile and keep your teeth for a lifetime. Arrange for a thorough periodontal examination so you can begin with a sound foundation of healthy gums. Brush and floss twice daily and be diligent about keeping your 6-month check-ups.

If you’ve avoided dental care due to fear or other concerns, call to arrange a Consultation. We are experienced at helping fearful patients and are a ‘lecture-free’ practice. You’ll be warmly welcomed and respected by each member of our team.

Don’t be one of the statistics of tooth loss. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation soon!

Does Dental Fear Give You Gum Disease?

Posted on Sep 18, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Nearly 70% of American adults have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Even worse, about half of those have such a high level of fear they are categorized as dental phobics. These are people who become so upset at the mere thought of dental visits that physical reactions (such as breaking out in a sweat) occur.

Often, those with dental fears aren’t sure of the origins, although many are related to traumatic childhood dental experiences. Fortunately, modern dentistry has made much progress in comfort options. Additionally, most of today’s dentists are more sensitive to patient comfort and strive to deliver ‘painless’ dentistry. Many offices offer oral sedation as well as topical numbing before injections and headsets with soothing music to help relax patients.

During many procedures, we use oral sedation to place our patients in a fully relaxed, serene state. Numbing is still provided but injections are delivered after the patient is sedated. Oral sedation is given prior to your appointment so you are relaxed by the time you arrive at our office. Oral sedation provides total relaxation throughout your visit and typically erases memory of the procedure afterward.

The first step is to choose the Doctor who is right for you. For some, just making the appointment and getting in the door for the initial visit is a challenge. I suggest starting with a consultation. This will allow you to meet the Doctor in a non-clinical setting and determine if this practice is a good fit for you.

Often, fearful patients relax just by meeting the ‘right Doctor.’ If it has been years (or even decades) since your last dental check-up and cleaning, it is vital to your overall health to rid your mouth of the oral bacteria that is surely present. Please call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation as soon as possible. The earlier your care begins, the less will be required to restore your mouth to a healthy state. And, your comfort will be a priority at every visit!

Major Cause Of Oral Problems – Dental Fear!

Posted on May 21, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In my office, I see some pretty rugged guys. Some patients are men who have fought in wars (some, more than one), have jobs that are physically challenging and think nothing of tackling projects like knocking out walls or cutting massive logs into nice wedges for firewood. I’ve also seen these guys break down in tears as they recall traumatic episodes during dental procedures. These often one-time occurrences leave otherwise strong men and women with an embedded fear of dental visits, so much so that many will endure severe pain rather than walk through a dental office entry.

As a dental specialist, most of my patients arrive here because their problems have become so severe that they can no longer postpone dental care. Many have already lost natural teeth and are at risk of losing more. Many have periodontal disease that can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body. Gum disease bacteria has been associated with heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, impotency, preterm babies and more.

I pride myself and our entire team on our commitment to providing effective care with a gentle touch. We add Oral Sedation to treatment when appropriate for patients, whether for fear, anxiety or even to be more comfortable during lengthy appointments.

I also pride myself on working with some of the South’s finest dentists. These men and women have dedicated their careers to providing exceptional dental care and creating positive experiences for patients. Like me, they are appalled when learning of a dentist who hurt a patient yet continued the procedure. These practitioners have no place in today’s dental field.

The good news is — You CAN have gentle dentistry where you feel relaxed before, during and after your visit! Even better, you CAN regain a healthy mouth and confident smile without enduring a white-knuckled experience!

Dental fear is nothing to be ashamed of and can be overcome. There are millions of adults who walk into their 6-month dental visits with a smile, experience no discomfort throughout their exam and cleaning, and walk out feeling positive and pleased at their ‘no problems’ report. You CAN be one of  them, regardless of the level of fear you now have. In the right hands, you will find that dental visits are nothing to dread. And, you’ll regain a healthy, confident smile in the process!

For a friendly discussion in our private Consultation Room that is removed from the clinical side of the office, you can share your concerns and learn about options to help you move at a pace that’s right for you. Call (828) 274-9440.