Dental anxiety - adults

We have clinics in:

• Redditch 
• Kidderminster 
• Evesham 
• Malvern 
• Worcester 
• Bromsgrove (coming soon)

Compassion and understanding

• We listen to your worries without judgement.
• We help you feel supported and respected.

Managing anxiety

• Relaxation and step-by-step techniques.
• Treatment with 'Conscious Sedation' if needed.
• Links to self-help programmes and talking therapies such as CBT.

Access and extra time

• Longer appointments so you can go at your own pace.
• Unfortunately, we do not offer treatment under general anaesthesia for anxious adults.

• Our receptionist will welcome you and check you in.
• You will meet the dentist and a dental nurse.
• The dentist will look at your mouth and may take x-rays, including a special wide x-ray called an OPG.
• We will talk about the treatment you need and how we can support you.
• You may see a dental therapist for some treatments.

When your treatment is finished, we will help you feel confident to return to your own dentist for regular check-ups.

For young people (teenagers):

If you don’t really like going to the dentist, that’s okay, lots of people feel the same way. This guide has fun and easy tips made by other young people to help you feel more confident.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand what happens at the dentist
• Make a simple plan to help you feel calm
• Get ready for your visit with helpful ideas

With this guide, you can feel happier and more ready to go to your dental appointments!  

For all other adults:

These programmes are made to help you feel better by helping you think in a more positive way.

You just need the internet and sound on a computer, tablet, or phone. You can use the programme anytime and anywhere that suits you.

It includes fun things like videos, games, quizzes, audio guides, and your own online journal to write in.

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies:

If you're over 16 and registered with a GP in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, you can refer yourself to the NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies.

 

What is inhalation sedation?

Inhalation sedation, also called “Happy Air,” helps you feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment. You wear a soft rubber mask over your nose and breathe in a special mix of gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen). This helps you feel sleepy, warm, and a little tingly, but you stay awake and can still move and talk.                                                                  

Why is it helpful?

• It’s a safe way to help you feel less nervous.
• It makes treatment easier and more comfortable.
• You will feel better quickly after the treatment is finished.

Are there any risks?

Most people feel fine, but sometimes, if the treatment takes a long time, you might:

• Feel too sleepy
• Feel sick or be sick
• Get a headache or feel dizzy
• Take a bit longer to feel normal again

Before your visit

• You can eat and drink as normal, but have something light and not just before your appointment.
• Take any usual medicine unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
• You can bring an adult with you, but you don’t have to. Please don’t bring any children with you.
• If you have a cold or find it hard to breathe through your nose, call us before your visit.
• Tell the dentist about any health problems or medicines you take.
• Let us know i f you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

During your visit

• Arrive on time. Please don’t bring children.
• The dentist will explain everything and answer any questions might have.
• Tell the dentist if anything has changed with your health.
• An adult can stay with you during treatment if it’s safe.
• The dentist will place the mask on your nose and start the sedation. Once you feel relaxed, they may use a numbing gel and then give an injection if needed, which should not hurt.

After your visit

• You may need to stay for a short time until you feel fully better.
• Wait until you feel ready before driving, riding a bike, or using any machines.

This resource is designed to provide you with an overview, please ask your dentist to explain anything you do not understand. 

What is intravenous sedation?

You will get a small injection in your hand or arm, which will help you feel calm and relaxed during your dental treatment. You won’t be asleep, but you might feel like you were afterwards. You’ll still need a numbing injection to stop the tooth from hurting during treatment.

Why is it helpful?

• You’ll feel less nervous.
• You might not remember much about the treatment.
• It helps stop you from gagging.
• It works quickly and you’ll feel better soon after.

Are there any risks?

Most people are fine, but sometimes you might:

• Feel too sleepy.
• Feel sick or dizzy.
• Have a headache.
• Forget things for a short time.
• Get a small bruise where the injection went in.  

Before your visit

• You can eat and drink as normal, but have something light and not just before your appointment.
• Take any usual medicine unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
• You can bring an adult with you, but you don’t have to. Please don’t bring children.
• If you have a cold or find it hard to breathe through your nose, call us before your visit.
• Tell the dentist about any health problems or medicines you take.
• Let the dentist know if you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

During the visit

• Come on time with an adult who will take you home. Please don’t bring young children.
• The dentist will explain everything and answer any of your questions.
• Tell the dentist if your health has changed recently.
• Your adult can stay with you if it’s safe.
• The dentist will give you the sedation and then numb the area before starting treatment.  

After the treatment

• You’ll stay for a little while until the team says you’re ready to go home.
• Go home by car or taxi with your adult. Don’t use buses or trains.
• Rest for the day and eat light meals.
• Take your usual medicine unless told otherwise.
• Don’t drive, ride a bike, or use machines for 24 hours.
• Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs.
• Stay near your adult and don’t lock yourself in the bathroom.

This resource is designed to provide you with an overview, please ask your dentist to explain anything you do not understand.

Dental Resources