Quick Summary
Dental anxiety is more common than you might think. Around 19% of UK adults experience severe dental anxiety, and one in six will avoid treatment altogether. At Billericay Dental Care, we’ve put together our top tips for nervous patients to help you feel calm, supported, and in control of your dental care, whether you’re visiting from Billericay, Brentwood, or further afield.
At a Glance: Top Tips for Nervous Patients
- Talk to us first: Share your concerns so we can adapt your visit to your needs.
- Book a meet and greet: Get to know our team and surgery before any treatment.
- Agree on a stop signal: Pause treatment any time to stay in control.
- Ask about sedation and pain relief: Choose from gentle, modern options to stay comfortable.
- Use breathing & mindfulness techniques: Calm your nerves before and during your appointment.
Introduction
Let’s be honest, a trip to the dentist isn’t something most people look forward to. For some, it’s little more than mild nerves, but for others, the thought of sitting in the chair can trigger full-blown anxiety. Research suggests that around 19% of UK adults experience severe dental anxiety, and one in six will avoid treatment completely, even when they’re in pain. Unsurprisingly, the most commonly cited reason for avoiding the dentist is pain or discomfort.
Here at Billericay Dental Care, we understand how difficult that can feel. That’s why our team goes the extra mile to make every visit as calm, comfortable, and supportive as possible. Whether you’re a Billericay local or are travelling in from nearby Brentwood, it’s easier than you might think to get the treatment you need. No matter where you’re coming from, we’ll ensure you leave with a smile every time.
The more you understand about a dental visit, the easier it is to feel in control. That’s why we’re going to talk about our 6 top tips for nervous patients, straight from the dentist’s chair.
What Our Essex Dentist Would Tell You If Asked
#1 – Communicate how you feel
Talking helps, and in this case, it’s far better to communicate dental fears or phobias ahead of time by mentioning them when you book. This way, we can take time to prepare for your visit and adapt any treatments, ensuring your experience is stress-free and comfortable.
For example, our dental nurses work alongside me to ensure nervous patients feel supported from the moment they step through the door. Using the latest gentle dental techniques and cutting-edge technology, like digital scanning, we ensure you avoid stressful situations like uncomfortable impressions. Many practices also use distraction techniques and sedation dentistry to help make treatment better for nervous patients.
#2 – Ask about a meet and greet appointment
Another top tip for nervous patients is to book a short meet and greet appointment. This is where anxious or nervous patients can come in and meet the team, familiarise themselves with their surroundings, and get informed before an initial appointment. This is something we regularly do for people looking for a local Billericay and Brentwood dentist. For many patients, a quick meet and greet helps to calm nerves. This is essentially a trust-building exercise where no treatments are carried out. Instead, it’s just a friendly, “Hi, this is who we are, this is what we do, and this is how we can help”.
#3 – Use agreed ‘stop’ signals
Stop signals, like raising a hand, can empower nervous or anxious patients by giving them back control over their treatment. A signal can mean pausing for a break, expressing concerns, or communicating a need. Dr Tanna and her team are trained to look out for such signals and will provide support, guidance, and reassurance when necessary. All you have to do is agree on a signal before treatment commences.
#4 – Explore sedation or pain relief options
This is one of the top tips for nervous patients that we touched on earlier. Essentially, there are a number of ways that we can make treatments more comfortable and relaxing for patients. These include,
- Conscious sedation techniques like oral and IV sedation
- Inhalation sedation techniques, commonly known as laughing gas
- Numbing gels
- Distraction techniques like music and audiovisuals
- Innovative equipment, like 3D digital scanning.
In reality, we’ve had many patients comment that they were amazed by how comfortable our treatments are, and this is reflected in our 430+, 5-star reviews.
#5 – If you are commuting from further afield, give yourself time
Even though nearby towns like Brentwood have good commuter links to Billericay, travelling complications can occur. Rushing to get to an appointment on time will only increase anxiety. Instead, allow plenty of time to arrive and to mentally prepare for your visit. Don’t worry, Dr Tanna and her team will take good care of you the moment you step through the door.
#6 Breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises
Regulated breathing is a great way to control dental anxiety. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is particularly useful in promoting relaxation and is often used by people in stressful situations.
Additionally, Mindfulness Meditation is a way of helping you to slow down racing thoughts and let go of any negativity. The good thing is that it doesn’t require props, so no need for mantras, essential oils, or candles. Instead, all you need is a comfortable place to sit and 5 minutes of your time.
Best of all, they’re both quick, practical techniques that can be employed anywhere, even while you’re in the waiting room.
What We Wish Nervous Patients Knew
If you’re still unsure about whether you should make that overdue trip to our Billericay and Brentwood dentist, here are some further points that just might sway you…
We’re trained to support nervous patients: It’s true! Gone are the days when dental anxiety was something that wasn’t really spoken about. Nowadays, it’s a recognised problem and one that our dental team is well versed in helping with.
We won’t judge you: Whether you’re ‘anxious’ about being anxious or you’re concerned about the condition of your teeth, we won’t judge. It’s something we see every day, and our focus is on helping you achieve your best smile rather than the current condition of your oral health.
Patients always have options and a voice in their care: We take the time to explain treatment options, giving you full autonomy in how you’d like to proceed. We’re fully committed to our patients, and that means listening to their needs and concerns.
Appointments can be flexible with breaks or staged treatments: Most treatments can be broken down into smaller stages, depending upon patient requirements. And, if you need to take time out during a treatment, we’re happy to accommodate that.
Ready To Feel More Comfortable At The Dentist?
Dental anxiety is completely normal, and you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re from Billericay, Brentwood, or beyond, the right techniques, support, and a caring team mean that even the most nervous patients can get the treatment they need without fear.
If you’re ready to use these top tips for nervous patients and take the next step, call Billericay Dental Care in Essex today on 01277 625 456 or book an appointment online. Let us show you just how stress-free a dental visit can be.
