Face
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.
Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
✨ Looking for a role where people matter?
We’re searching for a new Front of House Team Member to join our award-winning team at Evolve Dentistry.
This isn’t just about answering the phone or booking appointments.
It’s about creating the kind of welcome that makes people feel relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors. It’s remembering the little things, taking pride in every interaction and helping deliver an experience that patients genuinely talk about.
If you’re warm, organised, love looking after people and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience in dentistry isn’t essential. We’re looking for the right person with the right attitude - someone who genuinely enjoys making a difference to someone’s day.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you - hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
📍 Portishead
💙 Award-winning team culture
☕ Every patient welcomed like a guest
Please share this post with anyone who might be the perfect fit.
🚦 Travelling to Evolve? Please allow a little extra time.
If you’re visiting us over the next few weeks, please be aware that there are temporary traffic lights on the Portbury Hundred until 10th August, which are causing delays, particularly at busier times of the day.
We’d hate for your journey to add any unnecessary stress, so if you have an appointment with us, we’d recommend allowing a little extra travel time.
If you think you may be delayed, please give our reception team a call and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice. 💙
“Great patient focus and excellent staff and facilities.”
Those few words mean a great deal to us.
Because creating an exceptional experience isn’t just about modern facilities - it’s about making every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.
Every interaction matters, from your first phone call to the moment you leave the practice.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our recent patient survey. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep making every experience the best that it can be. 💙
#EvolveDentistry #PatientExperience #PatientFeedback #Portishead #Compassion #ExceptionalCare
