It is not unusual for dental patients to feel anxious, nervous or worried about dental treatment – in fact, the NHS reports that 1 in 4 of us are uneasy about attending a dentist appointment.
For some, a fear of discomfort or pain is the issue, whilst for others previous bad experiences cause them to worry about further treatment. But however strong these feelings are, there are plenty of ways in which they can be resolved.
Here we offer just a few methods with which dental anxiety can be eased, making essential dental visits a far more calm and relaxing experience for nervous patients.
Choose a dentist that you trust
Fear of dental treatment can be reduced significantly by finding a dental practice or practitioner that you feel you can trust and understands why you feel uneasy. There is certainly no shame in meeting different dentists before committing to treatment or seeking recommendations.
Visit the surgery
Some patients find that the environment in a new or unfamiliar dental surgery is unnerving, which adds to their discomfort when attending appointments. Visiting the surgery before you book an appointment, even just to look around and chat with staff, can ease these types of worry.
Take small steps
Remember that you won’t have to undergo any procedure during your first appointment. Your new dentist will perform a gentle inspection of your teeth and gums, assess your oral health and advise of future treatments. Then you have the chance to choose your next move, all at your own pace.
Find out about pain relief
Advancement in the strength and effectiveness of anaesthesia means that dental procedures are usually completely painless, even for major treatments such as tooth extraction and filings. If you would like to understand more, talk to your dentist about the pain relief provided.
Bring a friend
Sometimes all we need is a little bit of moral support. The majority of dental practices will allow a nervous patient to bring a friend or family member along to their appointment just in order to offer comfort and encouragement during their dental treatment.
Find out more
Based in Vauxhall, South London, Riverside Dental Spa is a team of dentists and hygienists who aim to ensure each of our patients benefit from healthy gums, fresh breath and a confident smile. We offer treatment in a relaxed and welcoming environment and take particular care to meet the needs of anyone with dental anxiety.
If you would like more information about the range of general dentistry services we offer or would like to book a free, no-obligation consultation, please contact the friendly team at Riverside Dental Spa today on 02070 910677.
