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Dentistry
The Oral Health Foundation reports that although more people visit the dentist regularly now than in previous decades, almost half of all adult patients in the UK are scared of doing so (http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/facts-figures/). There are many and varied reasons that lay behind dental anxiety, but thankfully there are also several ways in which you can alleviate your fears sufficiently and enable you to visit a dentist without panicking.
Your choice of dentist can greatly affect how positive or negative your next visit will be. If you currently suffer from dental anxiety, search for a dental practice that offers specialist support for nervous patients. Look for practices that offer a range of options to soothe anxieties and that aim to deliver a more relaxing and positive experience at your appointment.
Care and empowerment
A good dentist will be highly trained not only in providing state-of-the-art dental treatments but also in listening carefully to their patients.
They will talk you through each stage of your visit and work closely with you to ensure that you feel as empowered as possible. For example, patients sometimes feel panic at the thought that in the middle of treatment (with dental tools in their mouths), they won’t be able to ask their dentist to stop a procedure if they feel any discomfort. If this were one of your concerns, your dentist could, for example, suggest that you make a simple hand gesture to stop a procedure so that you could ask any questions or simply take a breather. By having those discussions with you, your dentist can ensure that your anxieties are managed from the outset and minimise any stress or discomfort you may feel.
Dental sedation
If your dental anxiety or phobia is such that the idea of a visit to the dentist is causing you real concern, you should always mention this when arranging an appointment through the dental receptionist. Anxiety-aware practices will ensure that you can discuss your needs further with one of the dentists, possibly with a view towards being offered sedation at your appointment.
There are two main types of sedation:
– ‘Magic air’ (also known as gas and air) is often given to anxious children but is also effective for adult patients. When inhaled, it allows the patient to feel ‘floaty’ and relaxed; it is fast-acting and entirely safe.
– IV sedation is delivered through a painless injection (given only after the skin is numbed with an anaesthetic cream). The sedative leaves the patient conscious, but feeling as though they are asleep. It also acts as an amnesiac, meaning that patients rarely remember anything about the procedure afterwards. This type of anaesthesia can take a few hours to wear off after the procedure, so if it is recommended for you then you will need to bring someone with you who can take you home by car to rest afterwards as you will feel drowsy.
Sedation can be used for any procedures, under the safe care of experienced and proficient dentist professionals who will monitor you closely throughout your visit.
Hypno-sedation
If you would like to consider drug-free solutions to your dental anxieties, we are proud to be able to offer hypno-sedation at Evolve Dentistry. This is a type of hypnosis and is ideal for any patient whose anxieties would otherwise prevent them from seeking the dental treatment they need to keep their smile beautiful and healthy.
You may be sceptical of how well hypnosis can work, particularly if your anxieties are very powerful, but it really can work wonders for some patients. Delivered by dental professionals, hypnosis is entirely safe and you will remain in control of your actions and words throughout your procedure. It is ideal for regular visits, and over time you will lose the association you may have built up between visiting a dentist and feeling afraid. You will begin to associate your appointments with feelings of relaxation and trust.
You may find this difficult to believe if you have a dental phobia or are very worried about visiting a dentist, but many very anxious and frightened patients have become very relaxed and much more willing to attend regular appointments after hypno-sedation sessions. It is a cost-effective, efficacious and drug-free alternative to dental sedation. If you would like to know more about it or would like to try it at your next appointment, speak to us about how it can be incorporated into your next appointment.
Ever wondered what it’s really like to walk through the doors at Evolve Dentistry? 💚
We know that for many people, the unknown can be the most nerve-wracking part of visiting the dentist. That’s why we wanted to show you around.
From the moment you arrive and step into our Patient Lounge, everything is designed to help you feel calm, welcomed, and comfortable. No clinical feel. No rushing. Just a relaxed space where you’re treated as a person, not an appointment.
This walkthrough gives you a glimpse of what to expect — so when you do visit, it already feels familiar.
Because feeling comfortable matters just as much as the care itself. 🤍
#EvolveDentistry #PracticeTour #PatientExperience #CalmDentistry #DentalAnxiety #YouAreWelcome
Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist? You’re not alone 💚
For many people, dental visits come with worry, past experiences, or simply the fear of the unknown — and that’s something we truly understand.
In this video, Rachael talks honestly about what it’s like if you feel nervous about coming to the dentist, and how we support patients every step of the way. From taking things at your pace, to listening without judgement, and making sure you always feel comfortable and informed.
At Evolve Dentistry, there’s no pressure and no rushing — just a calm, supportive environment where you’re in control from the moment you arrive in our Patient Lounge.
If you’ve been putting off an appointment because of nerves, this one’s for you. 🤍
#EvolveDentistry #NervousPatients #GentleDentistry #YouAreNotAlone #PatientCare #DentalAnxiety
There’s nothing more meaningful to us than hearing how someone felt in our care.
This testimonial was recently shared by a patient of Richard’s, and it captures exactly what we strive for every day — time, understanding, and dentistry delivered with compassion and respect.
Thank you for trusting us, and for taking the time to share your experience. It truly means more than words. 🤍
At Evolve Dentistry, every patient, every visit, every conversation matters.
Serious faces. Measuring tape out.
What could it be? 👀
Take a guess in the comments!
🪥 Simple steps for a healthier smile 🪥
In this video, Jessica shares her top tips on how to improve your oral hygiene at home. From brushing and interdental cleaning to small daily habits that make a big difference, she explains how to keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits to the practice.
A few simple changes can go a long way.
📞 Speak to reception if you’d like personalised advice or support.
