If you are a Nervous Patient
Some people may feel completely at ease when visiting the dentist and some may need a little more reassurance. Dental anxiety is something we manage on a daily basis at Appletree Dental Surgery. It is more common than you may think and something we completely understand. The following advice is aimed at those patients who may feel anxious about visiting the dentist.
- Let us know. We can put a note on your file so that we will be aware for future visits. Your dentist/hygienist will be happy to discuss any concerns you have about treatment.
- Your first appointment will simply be a check-up, having a chat with the dentist and them taking a look at your teeth and gums, so don’t worry that you’ll be launched into having treatment. See this first visit as your chance to get to know the dentist. If treatment is recommended we will discuss this with you first and we will give advice on what we think would be in your best interests, but there is no obligation to have the treatment done.
- You are in control, your dentist or hygienist will always ask you to raise your left hand if you want to stop at any time.
- We want you to feel comfortable. If you have a favourite radio station you would prefer to listen to let us know, we will be happy to put it on for you, or you can bring headphones to listen to music on your phone.
- We have stress balls in each surgery, if you would like to hold one during treatment please ask your nurse.
- Many adults who are scared of the dentist have bad memories from childhood. Advances in technology and materials make dentistry a much more gentle experience than it may have been in your childhood.
- You are welcome to bring a friend with you to the appointment.
- Book appointments at a time of day when you feel at your best, and when you do not have any other commitments to worry about. You may find that picking a morning appointment time helps as you will have less time on the day to dwell on it. Allow plenty of time so that you can get to the practice in a relaxed frame of mind – arriving in a rush will only make you feel more nervous.
- Eat something before you come, this will help settle your nerves
- However bad you think your teeth or mouth may be, I can assure you that we will endeavour to help you improve from your first visit.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss them with us.
Being nervous of coming to the dentist is something that we see on a daily basis. The overwhelming feeling of dread and anxiety can be caused by a number of influences, whether you have had a bad experience previously or as a child or you may not understand where this fear has come from. We try to make Appletree a relaxing and friendly place for your to visit.
All of our clinicians and the supporting team are highly experienced and are here to make you feel at ease, nothing is too much trouble.