Coping with Nervousness

We understand that many people are nervous or embarrassed about some aspect of dentistry. From listening to patients over the years it is clear that everyone has their own personal concerns. These can start in different ways and take various forms.Some people describe feeling that they are in a vicious circle where their fear stops them going to the dentist which can mean their mouths deteriorate leading to guilt and more fear. This can sometimes affect confidence and self esteem. As a team we are keen to help people break this kind of pattern and replace it with a positive dynamic where you move towards health and wellbeing. We have specific training in this area and provide a special programme, tailoring your care to deal with whatever is worrying you, safely and supportively.

This can include:

• Respecting your feelings and going at your pace
• Looking gently at the causes of the worry and how the situation has developed
• Helping you be in control and feel like you are in control of your dental care.
• Dealing with specific fears or triggers, for example, a fear of needles.
• Dealing with fear or the fear or worry about being judged. We are non judgemental and its normal for us to see mouths in all conditions. Regularly we move patients from feeling embarrassed to being proud of their mouths.
• Looking ahead at your goals

Positive factors that can help include:

• Welcoming Environment: The Practice is designed to be warm and welcoming. People say it doesn’t feel, look or smell like a regular dental practice. We don’t wear white coats and at your first appointment we take it at your pace. We begin the conversation having coffee on a sofa, not in a dental chair. Bringing a friend or family member is often helpful.
• You’re in Control: We will help create a clear working agreement with you about what you want and don’t want. We put a lot of emphasis on stopping and starting exactly when you say so. When you are ready it can be good to do a small amount of treatment under controlled conditions to help you get the benefit of a good experience.
• Gentle Treatment: We put a great deal of effort into delivering the treatments so that you are comfortable at all times. Advances in modern dentistry make this achievable. Our patients tell us that it is a lot different from the dentistry they have had before. For example there is a particular way to numb teeth comfortably.
• Sedation: This is used to help you relax, also very good for people who gag easily. There are different options here from tablets, gas and air to sedation in your arm.
• Additional Support: You can discuss anything else at all that may help. We sometimes work with a psychologist to develop specific coping mechanisms for people who are highly anxious.
• Passionate Team: We like helping people who are nervous about dentistry because it can make such a difference. It’s great to see you walking out at the end of your treatment with a relaxed, healthy smile. A lot of people get great confidence from having dealt with dental anxiety effectively. If you have specific ideas or thoughts about your own needs, please get in touch.