Nervous About the Dentist? Here's What Really Happens

If the dentist makes you nervous, you're not alone! 

Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for some people. I suppose it’s the fact that people can often feel anxious, as they are in a vulnerable position – especially when you are lying back on the dental chair into the unknown. Not to worry – we honestly don’t bite, trust us our patient’s oral health care is at the forefront of everything we do.

How often should I have a Dental Exam?

You should book in for your dental exam at least every 6 months. It’s important to follow through with this and not let every day commitments interfere with your appointment, as it’s just as important as other health care check-ups & screenings.

What happens during a dental Exam?

When undergoing a full dental exam, we like to assess the general health of both the inner and outer areas of the mouth. We always like to start our dental exams with asking our patients, what are their concerns for coming in to see us.

It’s very important to be open and honest with your dentist as this will create and maintain a good relationship between one another. Have a chat about your dental goals, whether your aim is to have a brighter smile, achieving good oral health or have queries about braces, your dentist can make your concerns their top priority!

• Examination– we start by examining the symmetry of your face, checking your glands, jaw alignment, checking your bite is correct (no over-bite or underbite) keeping an eye out if there are stiffness or mobility issues, and making sure there are no other abnormalities. We also examine your skin by looking out for lumps and bumps, especially if there are any dark freckles on your lips or if these change colour, in case they are a sign of something more serious. From here we examine the condition of your teeth and check for any signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and root decay.
  
  
• X-ray – In some cases we may need to take an X-ray, as it might not be obvious to spot decay from the surface – especially between the teeth or if an old filling is in place. An X-ray can also detect if there are any signs of impacted teeth, abscesses or damage to jawbones.
  
  
• Oral Cancer Screening – Here we check the inner lining of your mouth and gums. Even if you think this isn’t a necessity it is good to get one and have it as a baseline record. If you a smoker this is vital to get this – the screening only takes least than two minutes!

Why Check-Ups Matter, Even If You're Scared

We know a dental visit might not be your idea of fun, but regular check-ups are really important for keeping your smile healthy! Think of it like this: by catching any small problems early, we can often fix them quickly and easily. This could even help you avoid more complicated (and sometimes scarier!) procedures later on.

• Protects your smile: Check-ups help maintain the healthy teeth you've got.

• Peace of mind: Knowing your teeth are okay reduces stress long-term.

Tell Your Dentist What Scares You

Being honest with your dentist about your fears is the best way to get help! Whether it's the sound of the drill, the feeling of numbness, or something else entirely, don't be afraid to speak up. They've heard it all before and want to make you feel comfortable.

• Common worries: Drills, needles, gagging, feeling out of control...it's okay!

• They can help: Dentists have ways to reduce discomfort and give you breaks.

• Your comfort matters: The more they know, the better they can tailor your care.

Finding the Right Dentist

Finding a dentist you trust can make a world of difference, especially if a trip to the chair usually makes you nervous. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find someone who makes you feel comfortable and understood.

• Ask around: Get recommendations from friends, family, or even your doctor.

• Meet and greet: Some dentists offer a quick chat before your first proper exam, just to get to know you.

Coping Skills for the Appointment

There are lots of little things you can do to manage those appointment-day nerves. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Deep breaths: Simple breathing exercises can really calm you down (ask your dentist to show you how).

• Distractions: Pop on your favourite playlist, listen to an audiobook, or bring a fidget toy.

• Support system: Sometimes just having a friend or loved one there makes all the difference.

 

Going Forward...

Remember if you are an anxious patient don’t let this stand in your way of visiting your dentist. Many dental issues are treatable if they are caught in the early stages. Dentists can identify problems quickly and prevent them from becoming more serious – so book your check-up today.

Best, Lisa & Vanessa. Xx