Nervous Patients

Being ‘afraid of the dentist’ may mean different things to different people. Some people have specific fears about actual areas of treatment or pain, others don’t like the thought of being out of control, some people find the sounds and smells upsetting and others worry about stories they have heard from friends, family and colleagues. The good news is that The Swallows understand their patients’ fears and can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life.

FAQ's

The following questions are the most commonly asked by our patients:

I am terrified of the dentist what should I do?
Firstly, don’t panic. There are many people who are scared of visiting the dentist, and so much can now be done to help you. Good dental health is an important part of your overall well-being so it is essential that you visit the dentist at regular intervals.

I had a bad experience as a child what is it like now?
Dental techniques have improved so much over the last few years that modern dental treatment can now be completely painless. If you have not been to see a dentist for some time, you will probably find that things have improved a lot since your last visit. The general attitude is likely to be more relaxed, the dental techniques and safety procedures will be much better and the equipment more up-to-date.

How can I find a practice that specialises in treating nervous patients?
If you can discuss it with your friends or colleagues you are likely to find someone else who has similar problems and who may be able to recommend a dentist to you. It can also be a good idea to look in the Yellow Pages for practices that mention treatment for nervous patients. Don’t be afraid to contact several practices before you decide which one is right for you.

What can be done to help me?
Many dentists now practice a number of relaxation techniques. Nervous patients can be offered a sedative, (Intravenous Sedation or IV) or ‘gas and air’ (Relative Analgesia). Both treatments leave you feeling relaxed although you are still awake you are unconcerned by your surroundings and recovery time is quick. There are so many organisations to help people suffering from phobias, including the British Dental Health Foundation who operate a Dental Hotline on 0870 333 11 88.

I haven’t been to the dentist for a long time. Will I need a lot of treatment?
Years ago it was normal for people to need fillings every time they went to the dentist but things have changed for the better now. Fluoride toothpastes have made a large impact on tooth decay and you may be surprised at how little treatment you need.

How do I start going to the dentist again if I am very nervous?
It may be helpful for you to see the practice before you arrange an appointment. Do the other people there look cheerful and happy? Does it give you a feeling of confidence? As someone who is nervous about dental treatment, you need to be looked after by a dental practice that will take special care of you – it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you.