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Dr Yasmin Zeina at Evolve Dentistry

What Can I Do To Reduce My Dental Anxiety?

Dr Yasmin Zeina shares her thoughts on dental anxiety.

A lot of people have some anxiety about coming to the dentist. This can sometimes be attributed to previous bad experiences (such as the dreaded school dentist), apprehension about what to expect, worries about being told off or even embarrassment over your smile. In all honesty it makes sense – there are very few situations in life where you have to trust someone with something you cannot always physically see. The good news is that dental anxiety or phobia doesn’t have to continue, as there are ways you can feel more in control of your care and manage well with treatment. Here are a few things we encourage our patients here at Evolve can do to help ease your worries.

  1. Find someone you trust

Finding a dentist you like and trust will be one of the biggest ways of reducing your dental anxiety. Not every dentist likes to tell people off for not flossing daily, some of us even like to have a little chuckle during our appointments. When you find a dentist that you feel able to talk to you’ll find that not only will your appointments feel more relaxed, but you will also feel more confident to ask the questions important to you. This means that we can work together to give you confidence in your smile.

  1. Let the dentist know what works for you

Everybody is different – some people like their appointments to be quiet and relaxed, some people like to be talked through the treatment as it is being carried out, and others don’t want to know what is happening and prefer to talk about the latest podcasts they’re listening to. At Evolve, we try to personalise your appointment based on your preferences, but unfortunately we’re not mind readers. Your healthy mouth reviews and new patient consultation are a great opportunity to let us know how we can make you feel more comfortable. Personally, I like listening to a bit of Fleetwood Mac during my appointments!

  1. Using psychology to trick the body

There is a reason why ‘mind over matter’ is a common saying. Our psychology, and the things we think, can impact the way our body responds to certain situations. Anxious thoughts and feelings before an appointment can lead to quickening in breath, increased heart rate and muscle tension. A couple useful distracting techniques I often use with my nervous patients include deep conscious breathing where you visualise the air filling your lungs and imagine the built up energy flowing out of you during your exhale. Another alternative is progressive muscle relaxation. Next time you’re nervous during your appointment try focusing on tensing and relaxing each muscle, starting from your toes all the way to your head. Lastly, some dentists may try guided imagery where you think about your favourite place. The devil is in the detail, so remember to think about the specifics of what you like about this place.  It’s hard to feel tense when imagining eating the most gorgeous ice cream on a warm sunny day, with the sound of the ocean in the background!

  1. Please don’t feel embarrassed

Unfortunately, this is a common reason why people avoid coming to the dentist. Our goal is to give you the information needed to keep things healthy and looking great. Everyone has things they’re worried about and changes they’d like to see.  Please consider your appointment a chance to address these as opposed to hiding them.

If you’ve been putting off visiting the dentist because you are anxious, we hope that these tips help you. If you have any questions please call us on 01275 842550, our team are very experienced at helping anxious patients overcome their concerns, the first step is to pick up the phone.

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How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Feel Relaxed

If dental appointments make you feel anxious or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. At Evolve Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves access to comfortable, stress-free dental care. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry in Portishead.

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help you feel deeply relaxed during your treatment. While you’re still awake and able to respond, you’ll feel calm and often have little to no memory of the procedure afterwards.

Sedation can be an excellent option if:

- You experience severe dental anxiety
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You need a complex or lengthy treatment
- You’ve avoided the dentist for years due to fear

At Evolve Dentistry, our experienced team will carefully assess your needs and discuss the sedation options available to you. Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities, and we take the time to explain each step so you know exactly what to expect.

By choosing sedation dentistry in Portishead, you can finally receive the dental care you need without the fear or worry. Many of our patients tell us that after trying sedation, they no longer put off their appointments and feel much more confident about their oral health.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, we invite you to discover how gentle, compassionate care and sedation options can transform your experience. #sedation #sedationdentist #awardwinning #beyourbestself #Northsomerset #freeconsultation #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #compositebonding #patientsfirst #newpatients #healthysmiles #naturalteeth #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #dentures
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. Dental anxiety is incredibly common — and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past or simply feel nervous about the unknown, we’re here to help you feel safe and supported every step of the way.

As a trusted dentist for nervous patients in Portishead, we’ve built our practice around creating a calm, friendly environment. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be greeted by our warm and understanding team who will take the time to listen to your concerns.

Our gentle approach starts with communication. We believe that explaining treatments clearly and answering all your questions helps to ease anxiety. We never rush appointments — we give you the time you need to feel comfortable.
We also offer a variety of techniques to help you relax, including Calma Lamba, calming music, and breathing techniques. For patients who need extra support, we can also discuss sedation options.

Don’t let fear stop you from getting the dental care you need. At Evolve Dentistry, we’re dedicated to making sure every visit is as stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for a dentist for nervous patients in Portishead, we’re here to help you regain confidence in your smile — and in visiting the dentist.

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✨ Wondering when it’s the “right time” to start facial aesthetic treatments? You’re not alone!

At Evolve Dentistry, we believe confidence isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about feeling good in your own skin, at any age.

Here’s what you should know:

🔞 Under 18? It’s illegal in the UK to receive injectable treatments like fillers or wrinkle reduction — and for good reason.
⏳ Most people start in their late 20s+, when early signs of ageing (like fine lines or volume loss) begin to appear.
🧠 It’s not just about age — maturity, motivation, and understanding the process are key.
🧑‍⚕️ We focus on natural, subtle enhancements — no overdone results here.
💬 A thorough consultation is essential — we only recommend treatments that are right for you.

We’re here to support you with honest advice, professional care, and results that reflect you at your best — not a filter.

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When the UK turns into the Sahara, our welcome team turn into pros at keeping their cool 🥵❄️
Even in the heatwave, you’ll still get the warmest welcome at Evolve Dentistry… just with a little extra breeze! 😎💨 #TeamEvolve #HeatwaveHacks #CoolAsCanBe
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