The reasons why patients are afraid to visit the dentist are manifold.

  • The dreaded needle is also a big barrier to a patient seeking treatment but can be easily overcome.
  •  Many dentists (like me) routinely use surface (topical) anaesthetic in the form of a gel before we begin the numbing procedure with the hypodermic. 
  • Together with delivering the anaesthetic very slowly, we can often introduce the needle with the patient not feeling entry at all.
  •  Some dentists now even use a method of delivering local anaesthetic electronically, maximising comfort.
  • The fear of being hurt during treatment is also a barrier to a patient seeking help.
  •  Modern local anaesthetics are so good these days that providing a tooth is not very inflamed or infected, comfortable dentistry is guaranteed. 
  • Many new patients I see as emergencies in pain have usually not attended for treatment for years. They have almost always had a “bad experience” with a dentist many years previously.
  • Some people hate the antiseptic smell of medical and dental offices.
  • Some patients fear the loss of control in the chair, not surprising since the mouth feels a very vulnerable and sensitive part of the body.
  •  Most dentists will establish the use of hand signals with the patient at the start of treatment. If not, a lightning quick jab up the dentist’s nose usually halts procedures.
  • Anxiety puts you on edge, compounds the ordeal and you’re left completely drained by it.Even if there isn’t any pain involved, it’s the threat of pain and other triggers of fear that builds up the anxiety and makes for a miserable experience.
  • Some people can’t sleep properly the night before their appointment.
  •  They hate feeling so anxious but they can’t shake it. Sedation Dentistry is a great option to reduce anxiety.
  • For the very anxious, simple oral sedation can be provided in practice via Temazepam tablets prescribed by your dentist.
  •  If you are really lucky, some dentists can provide inhalation sedation (gas and air) or can refer you to specialist centres for intravenous sedation or in exceptional cases, for general anaesthetic. 
  • There really is nothing to be scared of.