It’s extremely common for patients to experience dental anxiety and is an issue recognised by all at Etwall Dental Practice.

All dentists at Etwall Dental Practice are highly trained and ensure all patients, both new and old, feel comfortable during any procedure.

Dental visits are absolutely paramount to maintaining good oral health, so it’s especially important for patients to feel at ease.

Why am I nervous when visiting the dentist?

For many, a fear of dental treatment will likely stem from previous bad experiences, which cause a reluctance to book regular check-ups thereafter. Others may be uneasy about certain aspects of dentists, such as a fear of needles or the smell and sound of a dental surgery. Some patients may just not want to visit the dentist due to the condition of their teeth.

Having a dental phobia should not get in the way of your dental health, so Etwall Dental Practice provides the help required to make your visit as relaxing and stress free as possible.

How do we help nervous patients?

First and foremost, our dentists are vastly experienced in treating nervous patients. From the moment of arrival, patients are made to feel completely at ease. Each member of staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, ensuring your complete comfort prior to any dental treatment. Our dentists also encourage patients to ask for short breaks during treatments, if at any point you feel uneasy.

Dental Sedation

Dental treatments are far more manageable for patients when IV sedation is used. IV sedation, known as conscious sedation, is comparatively safer than general anaesthesia and allows patients to remain conscious and able to talk with our dentists. A deeply relaxed state will ensure the treatment is carried out as swiftly as possible. As aforementioned, our dental experts are vastly experienced in sedation dentistry, so your health and safety is at the forefront of everything we do.

What can I do to help my own dental anxiety?

Outside of the help our dentists provide on the day, there are a number of things patients can do to help prepare for treatments. The first, would be to visit Etwall Dental Practice to become familiar with the surroundings and team. Communicating with us regularly will also help, so we can help you understand every stage of your treatment, alleviating any dental anxiety you may have.

We do also welcome patients to listen to wear headphones and listen to music during their treatment, helping take their mind off it. Patients have also been known to practice calming breathing techniques, allowing optimum levels of relaxation to be achieved.

Communicate Your Concerns

You don’t have to keep your dental fears or anxieties to yourself. Expressing your concerns to a dentist or hygienist can ease your mind, as the dentist may alter your treatment plan accordingly. Identify exactly what scares you and say this to your care provider. Many patients suffer from the following common fears:

• Fear of dental pain
• Fear of needles and injections
• Fear of anesthetics and their side effects
• Fear of helplessness or loss of control
• Fear of embarrassment while in the chair

Communicating your concerns to your dentist can help you work together to find a solution. The dentist may be able to offer services in a way that accommodates and eases your fears. If the dentist does not take your anxieties or fears seriously, go elsewhere for treatment.

Create a Signal With Your Dentist

If your dental anxiety comes from being out of control during a cleaning or procedure, ask your dentist if you can establish a stop signal. A simple wave of the hand can be enough to tell the dentist to halt and give you a break. This can allow you to catch your breath, express your concerns, rinse your mouth out or feel more comfortable before continuing. A stop signal can be an effective strategy to allow you greater control over your treatment experience, helping you ease related anxiety and fear.

Use a Deep Breathing Technique

Deep breathing exercises are proven to stop and prevent anxiety attacks. Practice some different options before you go to the dentist so you can easily fall back on them while you’re in the chair. Try lengthening your exhales to relax your nervous system and taking deep breaths from your abdomen rather than your lungs. Take deep, focused breaths during a dental procedure to lower your heart rate and ease nervousness on the spot. If you need a break to practice deep breathing exercises, ask your dentist for this time.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

If your anxiety or fear of the dentist is severe or overwhelming, consider sedation dentistry to keep your teeth healthy without the common anxieties that lead to many patients skipping appointments. Sedation dentistry uses medication to make treatments more relaxed and enjoyable for patients. It promotes stress-free dentistry using minimal, moderate or deep sedation (based on the procedure and the needs of the patient). Sedation dentistry can resolve many common fears about going to the dentist, such as fear of pain or discomfort. Ask your dentist about the possibility of sedation dentistry if you believe this could be the answer to your dental phobia.

Contact Us

A fear of the dentist is more common than you may think. Overcome your dental fear with the help of our dental experts at Etwall Dental Practice. Your oral health and dental care is of the foremost importance to us. If you feel as though you may require dental treatment, please get in touch with us via phone on 01283 733391 or fill out our contact form and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, please see a full list of Treatments.