Pravesh Solanki, Dental Phobia
According to dentalphobia.co.uk—the UK’s leading authority on dental phobia—around half of the UK population fears visiting the dentist.
For most patients, this means a racing pulse and sweaty palms as their dentist asks them to open wide.
But the symptoms of dental phobia are so severe that some people avoid routine appointments for years—sometimes even decades.
The effects on oral health can be devastating, says Dr Ehsan Naghieh, the principal dentist at Sheffield’s Harley Private Dental, where Eshan has developed a unique care plan to help nervous patients get the treatment they need.
“Severe dental phobia quickly turns into a perfect vicious cycle,” says Eshan.
“Without regular checkups, oral health quickly declines. When patients finally find the courage to make an appointment, their health has often deteriorated to the point where prolonged treatment is the only option—and that’s the worst-case scenario for anyone who hates the dentist!”
At Milton Keynes Dental Clinic, restorative dentist Dr Jay Joshi sees the impact of dental anxiety daily.
His special interest in restorative dentistry often sees him providing patients with implants—a last-resort treatment in cases of profound tooth loss and declined oral health.
“Years of missed appointments due to dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons patients end up seeking implants,” Jay says. “And because it’s a surgical procedure, helping anxious patients to feel relaxed enough to get treatment has become part of my 9-5.”
We asked Dental Phobia-certified dentists Eshan and Jay to share their top tips for overcoming anxiety and accessing vital treatment.
So, if you’re one of the 50% of UK patients living with dental phobia, read on to learn how to make visits more relaxing and ensure your next appointment isn’t for expensive restorative surgery.
Find a Dentist You Trust
Finding the right clinician is half the battle. Trust is vital, and dentists won’t be offended if you shop around a little to find someone you click with and trust!
Build Up Slowly
Don’t feel you need to jump straight into treatment. Take some time to look around the clinic and get comfortable. Try getting used to being in the chair before beginning treatment.
Distract Yourself
Many patients don’t realise it’s perfectly OK to wear headphones, watch a movie on a tablet or even work on a puzzle while undergoing treatment. In fact, many clinics now offer music and video to help pass the time. It’s a great way to distract yourself from treatment.
Agree on Hand Signals
Telling your dentist to pause while wearing a rubber dental damn isn’t easy. Agree on hand signals with your dentist beforehand so you can take a little break whenever you feel overwhelmed.
Bring a Friend
You needn’t be alone during treatment. Ask a friend to accompany you to your appointment or bring a cuddly toy—dentists are usually happy to work with any request that makes you feel comfortable.
Ask About Sedation Dentistry
Many clinics now offer sedation—a gentle relaxant to help you through treatment. With sedation, you’ll be conscious throughout but unable to remember anything afterwards. It’s helped countless patients undergo treatment without worries.
Give Yourself a Reward
Overcoming any fear is one of the most challenging things we can do—so feel free to reward yourself after an appointment. Looking forward to a treat is a great motivator, although you may want to keep any plans for sugary snacks a secret from your dentist!
Understand Your Fear
There are many types of dental phobia. Some patients fear losing control, while for others, the scent of the surgery brings back negative associations of difficult past appointments. Knowing the cause of your anxiety can help you work together with your dentist on a plan to overcome your fears.
You’ll find all of these strategies and more on offer from Dental Phobia-certified clinicians.
Dental Phobia dentists each have unique care plans to help nervous patients and ensure no one goes without vital care.
Head to dentalphobia.co.uk to find a certified clinician near you and ask them to set some time aside to discuss your concerns.
