Whether your anxiety stems from a previous difficult experience, a fear of pain, a dislike of needles or simply the feeling of not being in control, we will always work at your pace. We will never rush you, never dismiss what you are feeling, and never proceed with anything without your full knowledge and agreement.
Your comfort matters more to us than the speed of your treatment. We are highly skilled in caring for anxious and nervous patients; our appointments are relaxed and unhurried, sedation options are available, and there is no pressure and no judgment, ever.
If you let us know before your appointment that you feel anxious, we will make sure the right preparations are in place:
Sedation allows patients who would otherwise avoid the dentist entirely to access the care they need, comfortably and safely. We do offer supported, monitored sedation at the practice, and we also have access to a robust referral network for more complex needs. If you require more information about sedation, contact us or speak to us at your next appointment.
It is estimated that around one in four people in the UK experiences some degree of dental anxiety, and for a significant number, that anxiety is severe enough to affect whether they attend at all.
If you feel this way, you are in very good company, and you deserve care that takes that seriously.
Previous difficult experiences are one of the most common causes of dental anxiety, and they are completely understandable.
Please tell us about your experience when you get in touch. It helps us to understand what made it difficult and to make sure your appointment here feels as different as possible.
Absolutely. Bringing a trusted friend or family member to your appointment is entirely welcome. Many nervous patients find it enormously helpful, and we will always accommodate a support person.
Inhalation sedation, sometimes called happy gas or relative analgesia, uses a carefully controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to produce a relaxed, calm state.
You remain fully conscious throughout. It is one of the safest forms of sedation available, with a very well-established safety record. The effects wear off quickly once the nose mask is removed, and most patients can drive and carry on with their day normally afterwards.
With inhalation sedation, no: you remain fully awake and able to communicate throughout. With IV sedation, you will be in a deeply relaxed, drowsy state and may have little memory of the appointment afterwards, but you are not unconscious in the way you would be under general anaesthesia. Your safety and wellbeing are monitored throughout.
Inhalation sedation is safe and commonly used for children who find dental treatment difficult. We will discuss what is appropriate for your child at your consultation.
Not at all. Your first appointment can simply be a conversation, with no treatment, no examination and no obligation.
Many of our nervous patients choose to start this way, and we would always rather take the time to build trust gradually than rush into treatment and make anxiety worse.
We will agree on a stop signal with you before we start, such as a raised hand, for example, and we will pause immediately when you use it, no questions asked. You are always in control.
Please do not worry. We see this regularly, and we will never make you feel anything other than supported. There is no judgment here, only care.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.
