If the thought of the dentist makes your stomach tighten, you are far from alone. Fear of pain, of loss of control, of the sounds, or of past experiences keeps many people away. Avoiding care can turn small problems into big ones, so let us make visits easier.
Why people feel anxious
- A painful or frightening past experience, especially in childhood
- Fear of needles, drills or gagging
- Feeling helpless lying back in the chair
- Embarrassment about the state of their teeth
Before your visit
- Tell the clinic you are nervous when you book. A good team will allow extra time.
- Choose your time. Many people prefer the morning, so they do not worry all day.
- Ask for a first visit that is just a chat and a look, with no treatment.
- Limit caffeine, which can increase jitteriness.
During your visit
- Agree on a stop signal, such as raising your hand, so you remain in control.
- Ask for each step to be explained, or not, whichever calms you more.
- Breathe slowly: in through the nose for four counts, out through the mouth for six.
- Use distraction: headphones with music or a podcast.
- Relax your muscles from the shoulders down.
Options for severe anxiety
For some people, gentle techniques are not enough. Your dentist may discuss relaxation approaches or sedation where appropriate and safe. This is decided individually after considering your health.
The cost of avoiding
A small cavity left alone can become a toothache that needs a root canal or extraction. Regular visits keep treatment simple. See how often to visit the dentist and root canal myths and facts.
Start at your pace
Let us know how you feel. We will move at a speed that suits you. Book a gentle first visit through our general dentistry service.