Afraid of going to the dentist?

Dental anxiety. A lot of people have it. Fortunately, if you visit The Gentle Dentist, you'll most likely have a positive experience. That experience will then allow you to face your next appointment with less fear and less apprehension.

"I'll have patients come in who are afraid because of bad dental experiences they had back in their childhood," says Dr. Bradley Jergins, The Gentle Dentist of Spring Hill. "What I and my staff try to do is to put them at ease with kindness, gentleness, and the latest technologies that help alleviate pain and discomfort."

For patients interested in alternative approaches to decreasing dental anxiety, a recent study says that accupuncture really helps those with even moderate to severe anxiety issues. Here's the report from a government website:

"The report is published in the March 29 issue of Acupuncture in Medicine.
For the study, Rosted's group tested acupuncture on 20 patients who had suffered from dental phobia for two to 30 years. Their average age was 40, and their anxiety was considered moderate to severe.

Evidence shows that acupuncture helps release endorphins, which act not only as painkillers, but as sedatives, he added. "These opiate-like hormones, manufactured in the body, contribute to natural feelings of well-being and modulate anxiety," one expert said."

But, if you'd rather not opt for accupuncture, just let The Gentle Dentist staff know of your fears, they're great at keeping their patients comfortable and content.

Looking Good

The Gentle Dentist practice is eight years old. Dr. Jergins opened its doors the Monday after his first daughter was born. Since then, the practice has grown steadily, just like his daughter.

On a recent visit there, I was so impressed by how the office looks -- fresh, modern and very up-to-date. A lot of the credit for that goes to Tracey, the Gentle Dentist office manager. She does an amazing job.

And, we want to take a moment to honor Julie, our hygienist, who has been with the practice since day 1. She is a true professional.

Finally, we welcome our newest team member, Dr. Jergin's chairside assistant, Lisa.

So, stop by the office soon for your cleaning, implants, dentures or just to say hello.