Understanding Anxious Dental Patients
How long has it been since you last visited a dentist? Perhaps it’s been a year, five, ten, or even fifteen years since a professional has examined your mouth. We understand; there are numerous reasons people avoid seeing the dentist – the sound of the drill, the sterility of the surgery, unpleasant childhood (or even adult) experiences at the dentist, time, cost, the pain – the list for anxious dental patients goes on and on.
However, we all know that regular routine dental check-ups mean you’ll address minor issues before they become major and more costly ones. If you’re long overdue for a dental check-up, you might be worried that the dental team will judge you for letting treatment lapse. Or you could simply be anxious about the potential for painful, lengthy and expensive treatment.
A New Approach for Anxious Dental Patients
Let’s change the narrative.
With decades of experience in dentistry, we’ve seen patients who range from being nervous or anxious at the dentist, to those whose fears prevent them from even coming through the front door, let alone sitting in the chair for an oral examination.
At Dental Fresh, we’ve seen it all and we completely understand. We excel at ensuring anxious dental patients are comfortable enough to undergo the treatment they need. We make no judgement and we’ve seen every type of mouth you can imagine (We’re more interested in getting to know the person than the state of their teeth anyway).
For our anxious dental patients, or those undergoing more extensive procedures, our practice can offer different forms of sedation:
- Local Anaesthetic – the area is numbed for the procedure
- Sedation – a lighter sleep, where you’re in a sort of twilight state
- General Anaesthetic – where you are fully asleep for the procedure.
We understand that dental phobias are very real, and believe me, they are far more prevalent than you might think. You won’t be our first anxious dental patient but do understand that your avoidance of the dentist can lead to dental health neglect. The longer you postpone getting the treatment you need, the worse your oral health may become.
Helpful Tips for Anxious Dental Patients
- Find a good dentist: Easier said than done, right? Do your homework, ask friends or people you trust, and then check the Google reviews. Look for someone people talk about – the best referral is word of mouth.
- Ring up – don’t book online: Have a chat with the receptionist. If they’re good at what they do, you should begin to feel more at ease. Ask questions and share your concerns. You’ll be able to sense if they have your well-being in mind.
- Plan your visit: Clean your teeth before you go. Wear something comfortable that you like. Give yourself plenty of time to get there; don’t exacerbate your anxiety by rushing. Once you’re at the surgery, you should be made to feel welcome.
- Listen to your options at the surgery: During the examination, your dentist will provide you with treatment options and discuss them with you in depth. Your dentist will offer alternatives that consider your dental needs, your financial situation, and your preferences. Remember, the level of treatment is always your choice in the end.
- Rebook: Practice makes perfect. Your first appointment will be the hardest to make, but once you’ve made the first one, it will be easier to continue keeping on top of your dental health. Make a plan and stick to it, aiming to see your dentist every six months.
At Dental Fresh, we firmly believe that you’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We don’t just welcome anxious dental patients to our practice; we specialise in helping them overcome their fears and achieve optimal oral health.
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