If visiting the dentist makes you break out in a cold sweat, don’t worry. Our team at Enhance Dental Centre in Ely can help alleviate your dental fears. Plenty of people get worried about seeing the dentist, and research from Bupa shows 44% of adults have a fear of the dentist, and a further 76% admit to putting off going to the dentist entirely.
With levels of anxiety ranging from a few butterflies in your tummy at the thought of being asked to ‘open wide’ to terror at the mere mention of a dental check-up, some fears are so extreme they can develop into a dental phobia, and this can lead to complete avoidance of the dentist. A lack of regular check-ups and treatment for dental problems can mean facing some serious tooth issues down the line.
Why do people experience dental anxiety?
So, let’s explore why people feel anxious about visiting dentists. There could be multiple factors contributing to dental anxiety, including:
Past negative experiences: Previous unpleasant dental experiences, such as painful procedures, can create lasting fear and anxiety.
Fear of the unknown: The anticipation of the unknown, such as the sounds of dental drills or the sensation of injections, can be overwhelming for some.
Loss of control: Feeling a lack of control during dental procedures can be anxiety-provoking.
Embarrassment: Concerns about the appearance of one’s teeth or the judgment of the dental professional can contribute to anxiety.
Sensitivity to pain: Individuals with low pain tolerance may experience heightened anxiety around dental procedures.
Fear of injections: The fear of having an injection can make people delay or avoid visiting the dentist.
Trypanophobia: An intense fear of needles in medical settings.
Recognising dental phobia
Dental phobia, also known as dentophobia, is a more severe form of dental anxiety. Individuals with dental phobia may avoid dental appointments altogether, which can lead to significant oral health problems. They may also experience panic attacks or severe distress at the mere thought of visiting the dentist. In some cases, dental-related anxiety can even interfere with their ability to function normally in daily life.
Overcoming dental anxiety at Enhance Aesthetics in Ely
At Enhance Dental Centre in Ely, we understand that dental anxiety is a real concern for many patients. We are committed to creating a comfortable and supportive environment where you can feel at ease.
Here’s what we offer to help you overcome your dental anxiety:
Personalised approach: We take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your individual needs.
Open communication: We encourage open and honest communication throughout your treatment, ensuring you feel informed and in control.
Flexible scheduling: We offer flexible appointment times to minimise waiting and reduce stress.
Sedation options: For patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, we offer sedation options to help them relax during their procedures:
IV sedation: IV sedation involves administering sedatives through an intravenous line. This method allows for precise control of sedation levels and provides a deep state of relaxation.
Inhalation sedation: Inhalation sedation involves breathing in nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which produces a mild calming effect.
Comfortable and welcoming environment: Our purpose-built building features spacious and welcoming waiting areas. We also provide a dedicated relaxation area away from clinical sounds, where you can gather your thoughts and feel calm as you prepare for your appointment.
Sedation
Sedation helps you feel deeply relaxed and dreamy. It will not send you to sleep, you will still be able to talk to the dentist, but it will dissolve your dental distress, and you will probably find it hard to remember a thing about the whole experience. Also, you can rest assured that sedation is very safe and will only be carried out by a qualified professional.
Sedation can make things a whole lot more bearable and make sure your teeth get the attention they deserve. Also, if a nervous patient is sedated it can make it a lot easier for us to get on with our job especially if the treatment is extensive and requires multiple visits.
Though you will feel fine after your dental treatment and sedation, you will need to bring someone with you to take you home and to stay for a while to make sure you’re OK. After sedation, you will feel a little drowsy and should avoid doing strenuous activities, driving, or operating machinery.
Taking the first step
If you are experiencing dental anxiety, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can discuss your concerns and recommend the best course of action for you. Your fears will lessen if you make us a regular fixture in your diary and you begin to get used to all the sights, sounds and smells of the surgery.
Rest assured, we provide compassionate and effective dental care for all our patients, including those with dental anxiety. We believe that everyone deserves to have a healthy and beautiful smile, and we are here to help you achieve it. You’ll probably be surprised at how relaxing modern dental treatment can be and we are especially friendly at Enhance Dental Centre in Ely. Call our team today on 01353 260360 and let us know you are feeling anxious about a dental visit, and we can help you get the dental care you need.
Please contact us to find out more or to book an appointment
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Opening Times
| Monday | 08:30 – 19:30 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 – 15:00 |
| Weekends | Closed |