Dentophobia, which is the name given to having a fear of the dentist, is completely normal. It can manifest in many different ways, from just feeling slightly nervous about an appointment to experiencing dread at the mere thought of booking in.
What Causes a Fear of the Dentist?
Many things can contribute to dentophobia, whether it’s embarrassment, past negative experiences or a feeling of helplessness and a loss of control. Some people’s phobia of the dentist can be so severe that they avoid the dentist altogether, even if they’re in pain.
Triggers can include sitting in the dentist’s chair, being inside the dental office or waiting room, or hearing the sound of a dental instrument. All of these factors can have a serious impact on a person’s anxiety and stress levels. Given the importance of oral care to your overall health, dentophobia shouldn’t hold you back from visiting the dentist.
Conquering the Fear of the Dentist
At Aurora Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a challenging experience for anyone. Because of this, we go the extra mile to make sure that all of our patients feel comfortable, relaxed and at home whenever they walk through our doors. Dental services have transformed over the years, with dentists being much more aware of nervous patients, and how they can help to alleviate some of the stress.
Below we discuss the reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to visit us here at Aurora Dental.
- Clear Communication – To reduce anxiety, we prioritise clear communication throughout your treatment journey. You can reach us through various channels, including our website’s live chat. We’re here to answer your questions, ensuring you feel heard and well-informed from the start. Our treatment coordinators will provide comprehensive information during your initial consultation, through emails, and informative leaflets. They’ll remain your dedicated point of contact, discussing treatment options and addressing concerns at every stage.
- Different Types of Appointment – While our clinics are friendly and welcoming, we understand that some may have reservations about in-person visits. Our flexible scheduling includes longer treatment sessions, giving you the option for breaks as needed. We also offer early morning appointments and minimize wait times to enhance your overall experience.
- Highly Trained Staff – In addition to being knowledgeable professionals, all of our staff have been trained to recognise the signs of anxiety. Should you feel particularly anxious, the member of staff conducting your treatment will be able to offer reassurance and guide you safely through your appointment.As each patient is unique, we will also do what we can to make your time with us as relaxing as possible. This may involve playing calming music, encouraging breathing techniques or advising the use of noise-cancelling headphones throughout your treatment.
- Treatments Under Sedation – Sometimes, there will be no “cure” for dental anxiety. In cases where patients may be overly nervous but need to undergo treatment, we offer dental sedation. Sedation is only advised in extreme cases and we will always do our best to help people through appointments without it.State-of-the-art pain relief is also available to minimise the discomfort of certain procedures. Its use will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
Tips to Help You Stay Calm at the Dentist
At Aurora Dental, we will aim to keep you as calm and comfortable as possible during your visit. However, it can’t hurt to practice some of your own calming techniques in preparation.
Here are some of our top tips that might help you feel more relaxed:
- Attend your appointment with a loved one
- Book an appointment during a less busy time of day (early in the morning, for instance)
- Ask the dentist to explain the procedure beforehand
- Avoid drinks with high caffeine, instead, opt for something like a camomile tea
Aurora Dental ensures your comfort and ease during every visit. We strive to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for all our patients.
Book Your Consultation
All of our staff go above and beyond to help patients smile more and live better. You can book in at one of our Wiltshire-based clinics directly via our website or give us a call today.
Explore our cosmetic and general dentistry services at our clinics in Chippenham, Swindon, Corsham and Devizes. Our dedicated team of professionals will guide you through treatment options, ensuring you choose the best one for your needs.