Introduction
“What if it hurts?” “What if they judge me?” “I hate the thought of even stepping foot in a dentist…” If these thoughts race through your mind at the mere mention of a dental check-up, you’re not alone.
In the UK, studies suggest that over 50% of adults experience dental anxiety, with 12% suffering from extreme dental phobia—so intense that they avoid the dentist altogether.
And we all know the longer that we leave these dental problems, the worse and more costly they can potentially be. But that still doesn’t help us override the irrational fears, dread, worry, and phobias that we have.
Follow along this guide to get the top three actionable ways that you can overcome your fear of the dentist and get the dental treatment you need to get the smiles and confidence you’ve always wanted.
Finding a Dentist for Nervous Patients
One of the top things you can do is find a dentist who specializes in treating nervous patients. These are dentists who are sympathetic to anxious individuals and provide a little extra tender loving care to people who are scared, going beyond what an average dentist offers.
In the UK, NHS dental care has limitations, with appointments typically lasting only 10 to 15 minutes due to government contracts and UDAs, the payment vehicle.
You are likely to need to visit a private dentist, where you can schedule a longer appointment, typically around 45 minutes to an hour.
Which means potentially having to budget for dental care a little differently.
The Tell Tale Signs
When looking for a dentist, it’s important to research the practice. Does the practice emphasise empathy?
You’ll also want to assess the setup of the clinic. Do the staff listen to and adapt to patient needs? Are they caring and gentle?
Another aspect is the environment and even the waiting room. Does the environment feel overly clinical, or is the waiting room designed to be relaxing? Are there features aimed at creating a calming and soothing atmosphere? The ambiance of the clinic can significantly impact the start of your appointment.
Feel confident in asking the reception team specific questions. For example, inquire whether they have experience working with anxious patients.
You might even ask if it’s possible to tour the clinic before booking an appointment. Their responses regarding how they work with anxious and nervous patients, and how they tailor experiences, will give you a clear understanding of whether they can provide the support you need right from the beginning.
Sedation Options
The second area to consider is sedation. Sedation is usually reserved for people with profound fear.
There are a couple of different routes of sedation that you can consider. The deepest within the context of general practice is IV or intravenous sedation. This can involve a number and variety of medicines but is designed to keep the patient conscious.
And a big plus is that it can be safely provided within non-hospital settings.
Another option is nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which is a much lighter form of sedation. It is great for people with needle phobia because it does not involve a cannula.
However, with this type of sedation, the patient will be more aware of the procedure. Therefore, the choice of sedation depends on the level of dental anxiety a person has and how it will manifest in the dental chair.
The other option is general anesthesia within the NHS or private system. In the NHS, there can typically be a wait of six to twelve months, and potentially even longer in some circumstances. As a patient, it can be very frustrating to not get clarity about the length of the waitlist. For many in pain, this often isn’t a viable route to take.
Practical Tips
Practice breathing exercises or techniques
These can reduce the parasympathetic and stress response in the mind and brain.
Deep breathing, such as inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4, and exhaling for 4, can slow the heart rate and counter stress hormones.
Communicate with the dental practice team before your appointment
Ensure that the dentist knows about your anxiety and discuss options such as hiding instruments or agreeing on a signal to indicate when you need a break or when the treatment should proceed.
Having a sense of control is crucial in managing anxiety.
Feeling in control is essential, especially in a vulnerable position like receiving dental treatment.
Lack of control contributes to anxiety, similar to the fear of flying. Setting up the environment and treatment process in a collaborative way with your dentist and the dental team can provide a better foundation for your treatment.
Taking proactive steps before the appointment can create a more level playing field and improve the overall treatment experience.
