How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

A nervous dental patient

 


Dental Anxiety or Dentophobia can make visiting the Dentist a really daunting prospect. At The Kensington Dentist we want to make sure that everyone’s dental experience is as stress free as possible, so that everyone can access the care they need.

In saying that, we know that overcoming dental anxiety is no small feat. We completely empathise that the prospect can seem overwhelming, particularly in light of recent Covid events. However, we want to reassure you that we are a safe, welcoming and understanding practice.

 

Why am I Scared of the Dentist?

There are many different reasons that people may be scared of the dentist. Many people suffer from a range of different fears and they can manifest in different ways – from dental anxiety to dentophobia. The important thing to remember is that it is perfectly normal and very common, so there is nothing to be embarrassed about!

Studies have shown that a lot of people’s fear of the dentist is linked back to a previous bad experience, often in childhood. However, it’s important to note that most dental techniques have modernised in recent years. So, if a certain treatment process is concerning you, please explore our dental services or call us on 020 7221 1680 and we’ll be more than happy to talk you through it.

As we said before, we know that not everyone’s fears are the same. It may be that you are embarrassed about not having had your teeth checked in some time, or you didn’t gel with your previous dentist. Whatever the reason, your emotions are valid, and our staff will always be mindful of individual circumstances.

 

Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety

  • Find a trusted and sympathetic dentist (we like to think we can be that for you)
  • Visit your dentist beforehand to meet the staff and get a gage of the environment
  • Talk to your dentist about your past experiences, fears or any other concerns you may have
  • Try not to worry about your first appointment, as this will just be a check-up. We can do a full exam without any treatment or pain!
  • Organise an agreed signal so that your dentist knows if they need to stop during a check-up or procedure
  • Discuss a flexible treatment plan with your dentist that best meets YOUR needs

Book a Stress-Free Dental Experience

In addition to our experienced staff and the tips we have provided, our cinema room aims to go that step further by offering a truly unique and stress-free dental experience. During your treatment, you can ease and distract your mind by watching a film or TV show on Netflix or Amazon Prime. You can snuggle into your favourite show or film with one of our amazing cosy blankets.

 

Contact The Kensington Dentist Today

We pride ourselves on our ability to treat nervous or anxious dental patients. Please get in touch with us today and our experienced and qualified staff will be more than happy to discuss any of your concerns further.

Photo Credit: Superkitina