Most people don’t like the dentist.
The good news is that people who are dentists know that, and don’t take it personally.
It may not help you to know that dentists are friendly, caring and sympathetic people, but they are and they genuinely want you to have a comfortable mouth and a healthy smile.
The main problem is, that in their line of work they often use needles, or other sharp instruments, and make us keep our mouth open too long with tubes dangling out. So the whole process can be uncomfortable, though with modern medicines, at least it’s not actually painful like it was in the old days.
It’s worth remembering that your dentist, and the dental team, are the people who truly understand why you feel nervous, or why you avoid going to the dentist if you can.
Your dentist will always try to help you feel relaxed and confident.
Taking time, is the important advice for nervous patients
It’s all part of a dentist’s job to understand how a patient feels about being there in the chair. But first, you have to make an appointment and get yourself into the surgery!
1: Take time to call your dentist
If you haven’t been to the dentist for over six months, then call to find out how we can help you. With new procedures in place to restrict the spread of coronavirus, we’re speaking to patients before they come in for a face to face appointment. This gives patients even more time to talk about their needs and their concerns.
Give us a call, because:
- The longer you leave it between appointments, the more likely it is that a small problem will get worse.
- If you leave your next appointment until you start to experience dental pain, the treatment will be harder.
- When you make your appointment, be clear that you are a nervous patient.
2: On the day of the appointment, give yourself plenty of time to get to the practice
You’ll be feeling nervous enough about going to the dentist. Be sure you don’t add to your anxiety. These days, face-to-face appointments run to a strict schedule, so plan your journey so you’re not stuck in traffic or pushed to find a car-parking space.
- Plan your visit to the dentist so that you don’t have to rush.
- Allow time for getting to the practice, and at least fifteen minutes in the waiting room before your appointment.
- If you can plan something else to do within walking distance of the practice first, even better, as then there’s less chance of being late.
3: Allow time to talk to the staff in the practice.
Although your appointment time with your dentist is limited, there are other people who work in the practice who can talk to you as their schedule is more flexible.
- When you arrive and check in at reception, let the receptionist know that you’re a nervous patient. As there are some new procedures in place in our practices, staff will talk you through what to do and reassure you.
- Feel free to ask questions and talk to the staff you see around. If they’re busy they’ll let you know. If they have a bit of time to reassure you, or answer your questions, they will.
- People who work in dental care are interested in their patients, so they want to help you whenever they can. If you have questions, then please ask.
4: Allow your dentist time to get to know you too.
The more you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the better your dentist can help you achieve good oral health.
- Your dentist will take time to reassure you, understand your dental needs, and talk you through the process.
- If you have questions, then it’s always best to ask them. Some patients like to jot down questions they want to ask before their appointment. It’s easy to forget to ask if you’re feeling nervous.
- The best advice for nervous patients is to attend the dentist at least every six months, or more often. Many patients find that enrolling on a monthly payment scheme helps them to attend regular oral hygiene and dental care appointments.
In short, the best advice for nervous patients is take time.
Allow time to:
- prepare for an appointment
- arrive in good time at your appointment
- allow time for your dentist to know your needs