When it comes to visiting the dentist, it’s not a simple process for nervous patients. In fact, the fear of the dentist is estimated to affect approximately 36% of the population, with a further 12% suffering from extreme dental anxiety.
This apprehension to visit the dentist can lead to avoidance of appointments which has detrimental effects on oral health. And in some cases, it can have knock-on impacts on your overall health.
When it comes to this apprehension, it helps to understand whether you fear the dentist or have dental phobia. Understanding the difference can allow the dentist to make the appropriate arrangements before your appointment.
Fear of the dentist is defined as a strong dislike that may lead to avoidance. Whereas a phobia is classified as “extreme distress and avoidance.” To the point that it may interfere with everyday life.
Whether you’re slightly worried or you have been putting off an appointment for an extended period of time due to severe anxiety. No matter the scale of your fear – just let us know, we won’t judge, and we’re here to help you overcome your fear.
Most people’s concern stems from a negative past experience. Perhaps you experienced pain, discomfort or lack of empathy? If this is the case and you’re comfortable sharing, please let us know, and we’ll reassure you with this information in mind.
So, what qualifies us to offer advice for nervous dental patients in Sheffield? We understand that a visit to the dentist isn’t enjoyable for all, so we put your experience first. What’s more, is that we’ll never judge you, and we’ll support you every step of the way. Finally, we have helped many dentalphobics get into the habit of attending regular appointments and overcome their fears, which has led to them commending us as the best dentist for nervous patients. Would you prefer to hear from some former dentalphobics? Have a read of what our nervous patients have to say.
What Mola Dental can do to help nervous patients
Option 1. We’ll talk to you on the phone to help you get through the door
As we’ve mentioned, if you’re nervous, the best thing to do is to tell us. We can give you extra reassurance, even if that means giving you a call and helping you to book an appointment.
If you’re dubious, we can address the reason for your concern, and we’ll be compassionate to help ease your worries.
We’ll try different things to help you realise you have no reason to worry. From discussing your fears to talking you through the process and reassuring you that your first appointment will be a simple check-up and won’t involve any major tools.
Option 2. Arrange an early appointment
If you’re still sceptical about whether you’ll be able to convince yourself to attend an appointment, let us know when’s best for you. Will an early morning appointment help? So you have less time to think about it beforehand? If this sounds like it will be helpful, we’re happy to do this. Similarly, if you have a different time in mind, after or before work, let us know, and we’ll try to accommodate you.
What’s more, we can recommend a time of day that isn’t typically busy, so fewer people are around, and fewer tools are being used.
Option 3. We can keep you in control
Some people’s fear originates from not being in control. If this is the case for you, before we get started with the appointment, we’ll arrange a hand gesture or signal that you can do to notify us that you need to stop or take a break.
We’ll always respect your request to stop. And we can continue when you feel ready, or you can come back another day when you feel better.
Either way, we’ll keep your best interest at heart.
Option 4. We can distract you
Alternatively, if you are worried and would prefer not to know what’s happening, we can also cater to this.
You’re more than welcome to bring your headphones to listen to music and zone out. Similarly, if you’d like to pop noise cancelling earbuds in – go ahead!
Or, as a specialist dentist for nervous patients, one of our friendly, qualified dentists would be happy to chat to you about something unrelated to help keep your mind off the task at hand.
Option 5. We can keep you in the loop
If you’d feel more comfortable knowing exactly what’s happening during your appointment, just let our team know. Our dentists and dental hygienists can talk you through each step of the process and explain the reasons for their checks.
To learn more about a dental hygiene appointment beforehand, click here to download our guide. It explains what a dental hygienist is checking for during a check-up and why.
Option 6. Sedation
Fear of pain is a common worry that has kept people from visiting the dentist and if you relate to this, we can explore the option of using a local anaesthetic to relieve any potential discomfort.
And if needed, we can sedate you. Dental sedation is a way of making you feel more at ease during treatment, but it doesn’t put you to sleep like a general anaesthetic. You’re still conscious and can talk to the dentist, but you’re in a deeply relaxed state where you won’t feel any discomfort or pain.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re a nervous dental patient, firstly, well done on reading this – you’re taking the first step to overcoming your nerves! Secondly, we’ve helped many anxious patients near Sheffield overcome their fears, so we’d be glad to help you.
Furthermore, if you’re nervous about attending a dental appointment because of monetary concerns, we have treatment plans in place to alleviate these worries.
We will never judge a nervous patient, and we will support you every step of the way. It’s never too late to address your dental phobia, and it isn’t worth risking your health. If you’re struggling, give one of our friendly receptionists a call on 0114 317 7002 or email hello@moladental.com and they’d be happy to help you and discuss any of the above options to help you feel comfortable when visiting.
