Worried about your dental check-up?
If the thought of attending your bi-annual dental check-up makes your heart skip a beat, rest assured, that you are not alone.
While modern dentistry has become far more advanced, resulting in less discomfort and easier treatments, many patients still remain nervous when thinking about getting into the dental chair. Initially, it may seem harmless to delay that check-up but left long-term, it can cause issues with your oral, physical and emotional wellbeing.
So, what can you do?
Luckily, the days of the condescending dental professional are long gone, meaning that almost all dental surgeries have at least one member of staff that is trained in helping patients who have a phobia.
But when you are looking for a suitable dentist in Harley Street to manage your dental anxiety, what should you check for? Read on to find out some top tips when looking for a sensitive dental practitioner.
1. Enquire before committing
If it has been a long time since you last got into the dental chair, it can feel like a daunting process.
Before committing to visiting one dentist, phone around and ask about their dental teams’ ethics and how they cater to nervous patients. Remember, you are not alone in this issue, and the receptionist will be more than happy to help you find a suitable practitioner at their surgery. Checking reviews online, or indeed, the practice’s website can also provide you with an insight into how these surgeries manage anxious patients, so make sure you set aside some time to conduct this research beforehand.
2. Initial consultations
Many nervous patients are unaware that any private dentists offer complimentary initial consultations.
This will give you the opportunity to get to know your dental team beforehand, discuss your concerns openly and ask about treatment options. It will also allow you the opportunity to walk away without financially committing if you felt uneasy during the initial meeting. Perfect!
3. Enquire about Stress-reducing Options
When facing anxiety or fear, many people find it helpful to use distraction techniques to calm their nerves. And, in light of how many patients are worried about dental check-ups, many dental practices can offer stress-reduction techniques.
Ask your new team about listening to music, audiobooks or even watching television while you are in the chair; you may be surprised about how many surgeries will be able to accommodate you comfortably.
4. Ask about bringing a friend
If you would feel more comfortable having a friend or family member attend your appointment with you, ask the receptionist if that would be OK.
Most dental surgeries are able to accommodate extra people in the check-up room, but make sure beforehand as there may be space restrictions.
5. Look into sedation
And finally, if you are truly stressed out by the thought of a check-up, ask about sedation.
Almost all dental surgeries can offer either nitrous oxide (laughing gas), intravenous (IV) sedation or will be able to book you in for full anaesthesia if you want to be completely unconscious.
Are you worried about your next dental check-up? Hope these 5 considerations help you choose the ideal dental team.
