Nervous Dental Patients

Frightened of visiting the dentist?

We understand that for most people going to the dentist might be a very stressful experience. There is a growing number of patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Research shows that almost one in four of us suffer from dental anxiety or fear.

What may cause dental anxiety?

There are many reasons why some people can develop dental phobia and anxiety. Some of the common reasons include:

• Fear of pain is usually related to the past bad experience of your own or from pain and horror stories told by others. Luckily, nowadays, most dental procedures are less painful or pain-free
• Fear of the sound of the drill – you can always bring headphones to the surgery and listen to your favourite music
• Fear of needles
• Some people may fear the numbness or so-called fat lip after anaesthesia
• Fear of the unknown or helplessness and loss of control
• embarrassment about their teeth and mouth.

How to help yourself with dental anxiety?

There are many ways to help to overcome dental anxiety, why not try some of the following:

1. Find an understanding dentist
2. Visit the surgery and talk to your dentist about your fears – this is most important
3. Pick an appointment early morning so you will not worry for the whole day
4. Your first appointment will simply be a check-up or only a talk, so it will allow you to get to know the dentist first
5. Take a friend with you to the appointment
6. Agree a signal with your dentist so they know you need a break and want them to stop, it will help you to feel more in control
7. Start your treatment gradually from simple procedures as scale and polish which allows you to build up trust and rapport with your dentist
8. Use headphones to listen to music during treatment
9. Come to see your dentist regularly

How can we help you as a nervous patient

At Parkhill Dental Practice we are always supportive of anxious patients, and we put in every effort to put you in a calm and relaxing state of mind. Our highly experienced staff will listen to your concerns and talk to you explaining each procedure so that you will have a better understanding of forthcoming treatment.

No matter when you let us know that you are nervous, you can be reassured that we will try to make your experience in our practice as enjoyable as possible.