Dental Anxiety Management

If the mere thought of visiting a dentist sends shivers down your spine, you're not alone. Dental anxiety is a common and understandable fear that affects countless individuals. But what exactly is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a psychological response that induces feelings of unease, fear, or nervousness when faced with dental visits or procedures. This apprehension can range from mild discomfort to severe phobia, leading some to avoid dental care altogether, which can negatively impact their oral health. Several factors contribute to dental anxiety. Past traumatic experiences, fear of pain, needles, or drills, feeling helpless or out of control while in the dental chair, or simply the fear of the unknown can all trigger dental anxiety. It's crucial to recognize and address these feelings to ensure proper oral care.

At Bespoke Smiles Wanaka, we understand the significance of dental anxiety and empathise with every patient's unique concerns. Our team is specially trained to provide a welcoming and compassionate environment, fostering trust and relaxation during your dental visit.

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To ease your worries before visiting us, we recommend several effective strategies. First, open communication is key; sharing your fears and concerns allows our caring team to tailor the experience to your needs and offer the necessary support. In return, we take the time to explain procedures thoroughly, answering all your questions to alleviate any apprehensions before we begin treatment and continue to check-in to make sure you're comfortable throughout your appointment.

Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before you arrive and during your appointment. You might consider bringing a supportive companion along to provide reassurance and comfort during your visit. Additionally, choosing a less stressful appointment time ensures you feel mentally prepared.

We provide distractions such as TVs on the ceiling for you to watch your favourite show, noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the dental sounds, and stress balls to squeeze to relieve tension. Our goal is to help you conquer dental anxiety and ensure a positive, stress-free experience for a healthier, happier smile.

Yes, dental anxiety can be overcome with time and positive experiences. Our compassionate team is committed to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for all patients. By gradually building trust and familiarity with dental visits, many individuals find that their anxiety lessens over time. We are here to help you work through your concerns and make your dental journey as stress-free as possible.

If it'll take a bit more to settle your dental anxiety, speak with our compassionate team about having dental treatment while sedated.

We recommend that patients with dental anxiety start with a new patient examination visit.  This allows us to learn about your dental anxiety triggers and how we can work together to manage your concerns before any dental treatment begins.

During a new patient examination and clean visit you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from our team on arrival. We'll begin by gathering your medical history and discussing any concerns you may have before we look in your mouth. Our dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, checking teeth, gums, and overall oral health. With your permission, x-rays will be taken to get a detailed view of what's happening below the gumline and inside the teeth. Afterward, we'll explain our findings, answer your questions, and discuss a personalised treatment plan if needed. Rest assured, our priority is your comfort and well-being. We're here to ensure your first visit is stress-free, informative, and sets the foundation for a healthy smile!