Dental phobia.

It is one of the most common phobias in the world, and it is also one of the most damaging.

It is an intense and irrational fear of visiting the dentist or undergoing dental treatment. People with dental phobia may avoid visiting dental teams, even when they have a serious dental problem, because of their fear of pain, embarrassment, or a negative experience. This can lead to poor oral health, the development of more serious dental problems, and a significant impact on their quality of life.

When you come to see our dentist Welwyn Garden City, we can offer an array of options to those who have phobias or concerns to ensure that your time with our team is positive and also resolves dental health issues.

So, how can our dentist Welwyn Garden City help you to relax during a check-up or other treatment?

Clear and open communication

By listening to our patients’ fears and concerns, our team can create a sense of trust and understanding.

We understand that in the past, dental teams may have been a little more judgemental, but now, our dentist Welwyn Garden City will always show you compassion and understanding. Thus, every time you see our team, we will always ensure that you don’t feel panicked or scared.

When we are looking at your teeth, we can talk you through what we are doing, or, if you prefer, we can talk about TV shows or films. We just want you to be relaxed!

Education

By educating patients about their treatment options and the procedures they will undergo, our team can help to dispel myths and reduce anxiety. This is true for many of the treatments that we offer, with a key one being root canals.

So, if you have questions, ask them! And our team will do our best to answer your queries in jargon-free language, so you can make sense of the treatments that we are offering you and can, therefore, make the best decisions about your dental care.

Relaxation techniques

We can and do teach patients relaxation techniques to help them manage their anxiety. Of course, on smartphones, there are many apps that can also help in this area, so have a look online if you feel that your core issue with dental check-ups lies in your breathing.

Sedation options

For patients with severe phobias, our team can offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation to help them feel more relaxed during their appointment.

Of course, we will always try to keep these types of interventions to a minimum, but if you feel you need sedation, talk to our team, and we will be able to talk you through which ones we feel are the best for you given the treatment you will be undertaking.

Reassurance

Reassuring patients during their appointment can help to build trust and reduce anxiety. Members of our team, like our dental nurses, can offer positive reinforcement for patients who have successfully overcome their fears. If you want a nurse to hold your hand, just say! We understand that check-ups can be scary, and we want to make them as positive and reassuring as we can.