Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dental phobia is far more widespread than many people realise. It is estimated that dental anxiety affects around a third of the UK population to some degree, with a significant proportion experiencing extreme dental fear that prevents them from attending necessary appointments altogether. Dental phobia is a recognised condition that can have serious consequences for oral and overall health if it leads to long-term avoidance of dental care. At Etwall Dental Practice we take dental anxiety very seriously and are committed to making every patient feel understood, respected, and as comfortable as possible, regardless of how long it has been since their last visit.
Absolutely. We understand that taking the first step and coming into the practice is often the hardest part for nervous patients. You are always welcome to book a consultation where the focus is simply on getting to know the practice, meeting the team, and having a conversation about your concerns. There is no obligation to proceed with any treatment during that visit and our dentists will never pressure you into anything you are not comfortable with. We can use that appointment to discuss treatment options at your own pace and develop a plan that feels manageable, whether that involves sedation, gradual desensitisation, or breaking treatment into smaller stages.
Not at all. Our team at Etwall Dental Practice is entirely non-judgmental and understands that dental phobia can make it incredibly difficult to attend regular appointments. We see patients every day who have not visited a dentist for many years due to anxiety, and our priority is simply to help you access the care you need in a way that feels manageable. Whatever the condition of your teeth, our focus is on finding solutions and moving forward positively. Many patients feel an enormous sense of relief once they take that first step. We are here to support you at every stage without any judgement whatsoever.
Yes, we actively encourage nervous patients to bring a trusted friend or family member to their appointment for reassurance. Having a supportive person in the room can make a significant difference for anxious patients and our team is completely happy to accommodate this. Please let us know when you book your appointment that you would like to bring someone with you so that we can make the necessary arrangements. If you are bringing a child to an appointment, parental presence throughout is welcomed and positively encouraged to help young patients feel secure.
The stop signal is a simple and very effective technique for nervous patients who feel a loss of control during dental treatment. Before your appointment begins you agree with your dentist on a clear signal — such as raising your hand — that means you would like them to stop immediately and give you a moment to breathe, ask a question, or simply rest. This gives you genuine control over the pace of your treatment and can make procedures far less daunting. Our dentists at Etwall Dental Practice are very experienced in using this technique and will never continue treatment beyond your comfort level. Simply mention this approach at the start of your visit.
Yes, IV sedation at Etwall Dental Practice is available for a range of appointments, not just complex procedures. If even the thought of a routine hygiene appointment or check-up is enough to prevent you from attending, sedation can make these visits manageable. Our aim is to ensure that dental anxiety does not stand in the way of your oral health. During your initial consultation your dentist will discuss which treatments are most appropriate to carry out under sedation and help you plan your care accordingly. Many patients who begin with sedation for routine appointments gradually find they are able to manage with less support as their confidence grows over time.
