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Having a brighter smile or a straight, full set of teeth is what most people with crooked, broken or stained teeth desire and the first step to achieving this is regular dental check-ups. Some people also opt for more extensive cosmetic dentistry. But how could you commit to this if you are nervous about visiting the dentist?

You’re not alone. Almost half of UK adults have a fear of the dentist, with 12% of these people suffering from extreme dental anxiety.

A calm and relaxing environment

On the surface, standard dental practices can be very overwhelming, clinical and certainly not designed to ease dental anxiety.

Choose a dentist that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you walk through the door.

At Evolve, this is exactly what we strive to do. All aspects of our practice are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind; from the reception to the dental chair. We don’t have any pokey waiting areas; our rooms are light and airy.

Get to know your dentist

Building a relationship with your dentist is key to calming your nerves. Dentists are normal people, happy to chat and discuss your day. Knowing that you will be greeted by a friendly face each time you visit will work wonders for your anxieties.

Be open with your dentist. Let them know you have some reservations and allow your dentists to reassure you and make sure you are comfortable the whole time you are in the chair.

All of our staff, from receptionists to dentists, are patient and friendly, and have experience in working with nervous patients. We’ll fix you a nice drink while you wait and make you feel at home.

Hypno-relaxation

Hypno-relaxation is a great method, empowering you to take control of your dental fears and making your entire experience much more pleasant. It teaches you to distract your mind from the immediate activities happening around you, and to enter a state of deep relaxation to help you through your dental treatment.

There are many benefits to hypno-relaxation. It is a drug-free method, meaning you’ll be able to resume your daily activities much more quickly than with sedation. It’s also much more cost-effective and will help you get through your dental examinations with ease.

At Evolve Dentistry, we have had a lot of success with hypno-therapy patients, and our fully trained and qualified staff are ready to help.

Sedation

Sedation is a more extreme method to assist with nervous dental patients. It can be administered by gas & air or by IV, depending on the treatment and how you would feel more comfortable.

It is a completely safe practice and can make you feel like you are floating, or even asleep, without actually being unconscious. You won’t be aware of what’s going on around you, but will still be able to follow any instruction from the dentist.

This method can be great for those with severe dental anxieties or anxious children.

Evolve Dentistry’s Director, Carol, has been practicing sedation for 15 years and is a member of the Society of the Advancement in Anaesthesia, so you will always be in great hands.

Nervous patients choosing to opt for sedation should bring a chaperone and allow for extra recovery time following their treatment.

If you are a nervous dental patient, contact Evolve Dentistry in Portishead today and book a free consultation with Julie, our treatment co-ordinator, who can discuss the best solution to calm your nerves and make your next trip to the dentist, a pleasant one.