How to Deal with Dental Anxiety - Putney Hill Dental Practice
How to Deal with Dental Anxiety
Many people are nervous of the dentist, If you are the same we have some things you can do to help to deal with your dental anxiety as well as help from us at Putney Hill Dental.
If you are feeling fearful of visiting the dentist you can ask to speak to the team beforehand. Our friendly team in Putney will help reassure you and we always respect your boundaries and concerns. The below are some ways to calm your nerves before going to a dentist or during your dental visit.
Meet the team
It may help your dental phobia if you pop in and have a chat with our team without having a dental appointment. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the people (we are just people!) and the dental practice.
Gone are the days when the practice smells like the dentist, now we have relaxing diffusers spreading calming scents into the waiting area.
Start small
Start with smaller treatments or an examination first. It’s a good way of getting used to the dentist. Whilst seeing the dentist focusing on on 5 things you can see and 4 things you can hear to help relax and distract you.
Positive thoughts
Focus on the positive goals of treatment and the benefits it will have despite being nervous about the dentist whether it’s from a health or cosmetic point of view.
Be in control of your dental anxiety
At Putney hill dental, Putney we put you in control and you can stop treatment any time you decide. We work with you to have hand signals so we know when to stop.
Can Clinical hypnosis help with my dental phobia?
Clinical hypnosis is a technique of deep relaxation meant to modify your fear of the dentist. Our dentist Munir Ravalia lectures, teaches and has a published paper in this field. We will be talking about clinical hypnosis in upcoming blog.
Can my dentist give me something to reduce my dental anxiety?
Yes we can! We normally recommend dental sedation. This is a safe and proven technique to help you have dental treatment with no pain and has an amnesiac effect meaning that you don’t remember the treatment afterwards.
Dental sedation is a great way of helping you with your dental anxiety and helps you overcome triggers like needles or the dental drill.It can be given via gas and air, a tablet, a syrup or intravenously.
We do get asked the question can a dentist put you to sleep for fillings. The answer is yes with general anaesthesia in a hospital setting. There are however dangers in giving general anaesthesia and we would always try conscious sedation to relax and sedate you safely first.
What dental treatments are commonly carried out under sedation?
We find patients commonly want root canal treatments and extractions under sedation. These treatments tend to cause the most dental anxiety as they are potentially the most unpleasant.
Schedule an appointment with our sedation expert Dr Munir Ravalia who has been providing sedation for 15 years and writes papers and teaches on the subject. He is also a qualified dentist who carries out a full range of dentistry including a vast about of experience in removing teeth surgically and non surgically.
Call us on 0208 788 2727 or email on info@putneyhilldentalpractice.co.uk or book an appointment directly here.
TESTIMONIALS
“Outstanding service provided by Dr Collie Moran and his team. I had a ceramic crown and it has been done perfectly and efficiently. Barbara and Raymond are also very professional and customer service oriented. It’s been a long time I didn’t feel so comfortable in a dental practice and I’d definitely come back now regularly. You can trust them and always find answers to all your questions and doubts about the treatment and the products they use."
“It was with some intrepidation that I booked at a new dentist, I needn’t have worried however. From the moment I arrive, I'm made to feel relaxed and welcome by Ray at the front desk. The care provided is excellent. Having now had a couple of visits I would certainly recommend Dr Britto and Putney Hill Dental to anyone looking for a dentist - excellent all round."
“Wonderful, friendly, professional service, a very big thank you to Dr Moran and his staff. I was made to feel very comfortable. I completely trust his judgement and would recommend the dental practice to my family and friends without any doubt. Thanks again!"
“A first class dental practice. Dr Collie Moran has carried out extensive work on my teeth, including crowns and a wisdom tooth extraction and is always highly professional and diligent in what he does. One of the most important factors for me is that I completely trust Collie’s judgement. He always explains dental options to you in a considered and balanced manner. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this practice to others - in fact, I consider myself very fortunate to have this quality of dental practice available to me locally. Collie is also well supported by an excellent team so there is much strength in depth at this practice. Highly recommended."
“Really recommend this practice - the hygienist gave me a thorough clean and now my teeth are sparkling! I had some staining from drinking too many cuppas and she really took the time to make sure it was all gone. She also gave me some good tips for taking care of my teeth. Raymond on the desk was also lovely and welcoming! Great experience."
“I have been a patient of Collie’s for around eighteen years and I can’t recommend him more highly. He is super with nervous patients and very reassuring. I have had various treatments over the years and he is always gentle and skillful. Barbara is an excellent hygienist too."
“Collie and Barbara are both gentle and super efficient. Been a patient for two years now and always happy with my service. Sometimes a struggle to get in so book early but a testament to a great job. Both give really good advice and suggestions without being pushy."
