Nervous Patients

Dental anxiety is a common feeling of fear or nervousness about visiting the dentist. Causes can include previous negative experiences, fear of pain, embarrassment, or a sense of loss of control.

Fear of the dentist affects almost half of UK adults. You are not alone, and many people share this concern.

Absolutely. At Surbiton Dental, we encourage you to let us know if you’re anxious. Our friendly team is experienced in supporting nervous patients and can offer extra help before and during your visit.

We offer sedation dentistry, where medication helps you relax during treatment. Options range from light sedation to deeper forms, tailored to your needs and the procedure involved.

Yes, Surbiton Dental and many other clinics specialise in caring for nervous patients. We create a supportive, non-judgemental environment and are experienced in anxiety management.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support during your appointment. Having someone you trust can help you feel more at ease.

If you feel overwhelmed or have a panic attack, let us know immediately. We’ll stop treatment, provide reassurance, and only continue once you feel comfortable and ready.

Yes, you are in control. You can always request breaks during your treatment to help manage anxiety or take a moment to relax.

Techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, listening to music, guided imagery, and distraction (watching a movie, counting) can help reduce anxiety. We are happy to accommodate these methods for our patients.

Attending appointments regularly helps you become more familiar with the dental environment, builds trust with your dentist, and can gradually make each visit less stressful over time.

Let us know you’re nervous when you book, bring someone for support, use calming techniques, and consider booking an early appointment to minimise anticipation. We will take extra time to answer your questions and make you comfortable.

Sedation dentistry can greatly reduce anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed throughout treatment, but some mild nervousness may remain. Many patients find it a game-changer for overcoming dental fear.

Yes, children can also experience dental anxiety. Our team is used to working with young patients, providing gentle care and reassurance to help ease their fears.

Dental anxiety is a recognised and common issue. For some, it can be severe. There are strategies and therapies available, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to help manage it if it impacts your well-being or prevents you from getting care.

Avoiding the dentist may lead to worsening dental problems, pain, infection, and more complex (and costly) treatments later on. Regular care helps prevent small issues from becoming serious.