Very few people are thrilled when it comes to attending dental checkups. But, for a significant group of the population, the idea of getting into a dental chair fills them with dread and, in some cases, could even be classed as a phobia. And, while it is commonplace for people who have phobias to avoid the source of their anxiety, it is easy to see why this can be counterproductive when it comes to dentistry. Should you fail to attend biannual checkups, smaller issues can be missed, thus leading to more intense and uncomfortable complications further down the line. So, if you are a more nervous patient, you may be wondering if your dentist Chelsea can help you overcome your concerns. Here are some of the most common ways that dental teams are spearheading dental phobias across the UK. 

As blunt as it may sound, many patients find that talking through their concerns with their dental team can do them a world of good. There is no need to be embarrassed that you have a dental aversion and you don’t have to worry about your dental team mocking you for it. All dental teams are now trained to be as compassionate and empathetic as possible, making your biannual checkups nothing more than a medical appointment. If you would like to meet your dental team before the clinical appointment, this can often be arranged by many surgeries too; so, remember to ask when calling to book the appointment. 

In years gone by, some dental teams would place posters on the ceiling of their practices to draw the stares of the patients while they worked on their teeth. In more modern surgeries, you may be able to watch TV or even a movie while your teeth are worked on. Should your concerns about dentistry revolve around the noise of the drill (very common) then you should ask your team about the possibility of you listening to music on a headset while they examine your mouth and perform treatments. 

If you are one of the more phobic dental patients, the idea of even having your teeth looked at can be too much. And yes, there are now ways that dental teams have adapted their techniques to make this as non-invasive as possible. With the use of scanners, your team could simply place a pen-shaped object into your mouth to gain a clear picture of your teeth. This then allows for faster treatment, less pulling and less saying ‘aaaaah.’ It will also help your jaw to feel less stiff too! 

And finally, there are many options for sedation when it comes to modern dental care. Some clinics can prescribe sedative pills and others can offer intravenous sedation, both of which will need to be discussed prior to the examination or treatment. Should you have any medical issues or be taking any other medications, you will need to disclose this to your dental team before you attend the appointment.