Nervous about the dentist?
Dental care at a pace that feels manageable for you.
If visiting the dentist makes you anxious, tell us. Our team will take time to listen, explain your options clearly and help you feel more comfortable throughout your visit.
We listen first
You do not need to explain why you feel anxious, and you will not be judged for how long it has been. Telling reception or your clinician that you are nervous is enough — it changes how we plan your visit. We will ask what you find difficult, whether that is the sound, the numbing, feeling out of control or a past experience, and we work around it as far as we can.
Going at your pace
Clear explanations
We describe what we are looking at, what we have found and what each option involves, in plain language and without pressure to decide on the day.
Time to ask questions
Ask anything, as many times as you need. If it is easier to talk before an appointment, our team can call you back to answer questions first.
Breaks whenever you need them
You can ask to pause at any point, sit up, rinse and take a moment before we continue.
An agreed stop signal
We agree a simple signal — usually raising a hand — before we start, so you can stop treatment without having to speak.
Agreeing before we begin
Treatment, costs and alternatives are discussed and agreed with you before anything starts, so nothing happens unexpectedly.
If you have had a difficult experience before
Many people who feel anxious about dental care have had an appointment in the past that was uncomfortable, rushed or upsetting. If that applies to you, you are welcome to tell us as much or as little as you want to. Knowing that something has gone badly before helps us plan differently — more explanation, more time, a different order, or simply stopping earlier than we otherwise would. We will not comment on care you have received elsewhere; we focus on what we can do now.
What a first visit can look like
- 1
Meeting the team
Coming in, meeting the person who will be looking after you and seeing the surgery before anything else happens.
- 2
Discussing your concerns
Talking through what worries you, any past experiences you want to mention and how you would like us to handle the appointment.
- 3
Assessment
An examination of your teeth, gums and soft tissues, with X-rays only where they are clinically needed. We explain each step before we do it.
- 4
Understanding your options
Where we find something that needs attention, we explain what the options are — including doing nothing for now — along with the benefits, risks and costs.
- 5
Planning next steps
Agreeing what happens next and in what order, so you leave knowing the plan rather than being surprised by it.
How much we can do at a first appointment depends on your clinical needs and on what you feel ready for. If you would prefer to talk before any examination, tell us when you book.
Building confidence over time
Where it is clinically and practically appropriate, treatment can be approached gradually — starting with an examination and a clean, then working through a plan in stages rather than all at once. Some situations, such as infection or pain, need attention sooner, and we will be honest with you when waiting carries a risk.
Sedation
We do not provide sedation or general anaesthetic. Treatment here is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed and you are awake throughout. Where a case genuinely needs sedation or a general anaesthetic, the appropriate route is an onward referral to a service that provides it, and we will explain that to you.
Prefer to talk first?
Request a confidential callback. Tell us how you would like to be contacted, the time window that suits you and, if you want to, add a short note. You do not need to share any medical details to ask for a call.
Frequently asked questions
That is more common than you might think and it is not a problem. We start from where you are now: an examination, an honest explanation of what we find and a plan agreed with you. Nobody at the practice will lecture you about the gap.
Please do — when you book, at reception, or at the start of your appointment. It genuinely changes how we approach the visit, and it is one of the most useful things you can tell us.
Yes. We agree a stop signal before treatment starts, usually raising a hand, and we stop when you use it. You can also ask for a break at any point.
It depends on what we find and on what you feel ready for. Some people prefer the first appointment to be an examination and a discussion only, and you can ask for that. Where there is pain or infection, we will explain why treating sooner may be the better option.
Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you and, where the surgery allows, they can stay with you during your appointment.
Tell us as much or as little as you want. Knowing what went badly helps us plan the appointment differently — more time, more explanation, or a different order of treatment.
We do not provide sedation or general anaesthetic. Treatment here is carried out under local anaesthetic, with the area numbed while you stay awake. If your case needs sedation or a general anaesthetic, we will refer you to a service that provides it.
Use the booking button on this page, call us on 01932 866966, message us on WhatsApp, or request a callback and we will ring you. Mentioning that you are nervous when you book helps us prepare.
Yes. Request a callback and a member of the team will call you at a time that suits you to answer your questions. You do not have to book anything on that call.
Related treatments
You may also want to read
- Dental examinationThorough check-ups including x-rays and screening.
- Emergency dentistUrgent assessment for dental pain, swelling, broken teeth and lost restorations.
- Children's dentistryPositive, preventive care for young patients, with brushing and diet guidance and preventive measures where appropriate.
Ready when you are
Book directly into our diaries online, or ask us a question first — we're happy to help.