Dental anxiety : care for nervous patients
Maybe it’s the needle, the sound of the drill, or a bad experience that’s stayed with you. Maybe it’s the feeling of lying back with someone working in your mouth and not being in control. Whatever it is, dental anxiety is common, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Our teams take a gentle, unhurried approach. We explain each step, agree on a stop signal, and give you time. If you’d like extra help, sedation options are available.
When you book, let us know you feel anxious so your dentist can plan your appointment with extra calming music and atmosphere, with you in mind.
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is feeling nervous, worried or scared about going to the dentist.
For some people it’s mild unease. For others it’s a strong fear, sometimes called dental phobia or dentophobia, that stops them going at all. These are some of the most common triggers.
Needles
The thought of an injection, even before you’ve sat in the chair.
Sounds and smells
The whirr of the drill or the clinical smell of a dental room.
A past bad experience
A painful or rushed appointment that’s stayed with you for years.
Feeling out of control
Lying back, unable to talk, not knowing what’s coming next.
Gagging
A strong gag reflex that makes impressions or X-rays hard.
Embarrassment
Worry about the state of your teeth, or how long it’s been since your last visit.
However you feel, you’re not alone, and you won’t be judged. The first step is simply letting us know.
How we help anxious patients
Small things can make a big difference. Here’s what our teams do to help you feel more comfortable.
Tell us when you book
Let us know you feel anxious when you book an examination, so your dentist can plan with you in mind.
Rate your anxiety
Score your anxiety from 0 to 10. It’s noted in your file, so your dentist knows how you’re feeling each time.
Longer appointments
If you need more time, we can book a longer appointment so nothing feels rushed.
We explain each step
Your dentist tells you what they’re about to do before they do it, and checks in as they go.
An agreed stop signal
Raise your hand at any time and your dentist will pause.
Blankets and headphones
Warm blankets and noise-cancelling headphones to help you settle and block out sounds.
Netflix on the TV
Watch something on the TV during your appointment to help take your mind off things.
Dimmed lights
Softer lighting in the room to help you feel more relaxed.
Your first visit, at your pace
We recommend starting with an examination appointment. It’s a chance to meet your dentist, talk about how you feel and plan the next step together.
Book and tell us
Book an examination and let us know you feel anxious.
Rate your anxiety
Score how you feel from 0 to 10, so your dentist understands.
Talk it through
Your dentist examines your teeth, explains what they find and answers your questions.
Plan together
You decide the next step, with sedation options discussed if they may suit you.
Sedation for dental anxiety
If talking it through and taking things slowly isn’t enough, sedation may help. Your dentist reviews your medical history and medications to work out which option, if any, suits you. Compare all sedation options →
Mild nerves
Happy gas
Given by your dentist. You stay awake and relaxed.
Find out more →
A tablet
Oral sedation
Prescribed by your dentist and taken before your appointment.
Find out more →
Deeper relaxation
IV (twilight) sedation
Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team.
Find out more →
Fully asleep
General anaesthetic
Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team at our Maroochydore practice.
Find out more →
Sedation is a medical procedure and carries risks. Not everyone is suitable. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Read about treatment risks.
Our Sedation Services Include
What to look for in a dentist if you’re anxious
The right dentist for you is one you feel comfortable with. When you’re comparing dentists, these are useful things to look for.
- They listen without judgement, however long it’s been
- They explain each step before they do it
- You can agree on a stop signal
- They offer longer appointments if you need them
- Comfort options are available, like blankets or headphones
- They explain sedation options and who gives them
- You get a clear written plan and quote before treatment
- You can go at your own pace
When you call to book
- Can I have a longer appointment?
- Can we agree on a stop signal?
- What sedation options do you offer, and who gives them?
- Can I just have an examination first?
- Will I get a written quote before treatment?
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Dental anxiety FAQs
This is general information only. If you have questions, let us know when you book.
I haven’t been to the dentist in years. Will I be judged?
Not at all. Many people come to us after a long time away, often because of anxiety. Your dentist focuses on where you are now and what you’d like to do next, not on how long it’s been.
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is feeling nervous, worried or scared about going to the dentist. Common triggers include needles, the sounds and smells of a dental room, past bad experiences, and feeling out of control.
Is dental anxiety the same as dental phobia?
They’re closely related. Dental phobia, sometimes called dentophobia, usually describes a stronger fear that can stop someone going to the dentist at all. Both are common, and both are worth talking to your dentist about.
How do I tell the dentist I’m anxious?
Let us know when you book. At your visit, you can rate your anxiety from 0 to 10, and it’s noted in your file so your dentist knows how you’re feeling each time.
Can I stop if I need a break?
Yes. You and your dentist agree on a stop signal before you start, like raising your hand, and your dentist will pause whenever you need.
What comfort options do you offer?
Our practices offer warm blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, Netflix on the TV and dimmed lights, along with longer appointments if you need them.
Can I just have an examination first?
Yes. We recommend starting with an examination appointment, where your dentist checks your teeth, talks through what they find and plans the next step with you.
I’m scared of needles. What can help?
Tell your dentist. They’ll explain what they’re doing before they do it and go at your pace. For some people, sedation options may also help.
I gag easily. Can you help?
Let your dentist know. They can take things slowly and talk you through each step. Sedation may help some people with a strong gag reflex.
Can I have sedation for dental anxiety?
Sedation may be an option. Avenue Dental offers happy gas, oral sedation, IV (twilight) sedation and general anaesthetic at our Maroochydore practice. Your dentist reviews your medical history to work out which option, if any, suits you.
What should I look for in a dentist if I’m anxious?
Look for a dentist who listens without judgement, explains each step, agrees on a stop signal, offers longer appointments and comfort options, and explains your sedation options and costs clearly.
How can I calm my nerves before my appointment?
Choose an appointment time that suits you, give yourself time to get there without rushing, and let us know you’re anxious. Slow breathing can help, and you can use our noise-cancelling headphones during your visit.
