As a dentist in Southampton we take a great interest in the numerous dental surveys which take place. Having read a recent survey it seems that dental phobia is still rife in the UK with people rating a visit to the dentist as more alarming than any of the top 10 most common phobias. 33% of people who took part in the survey said that a check-up was more terrifying than interacting with other people. Results also revealed that visiting a dentist was more alarming than flying, spiders, open or confined spaces, driving, and animals (25%), and lastly illness and vomiting (24%).
When asked what triggers their fear the most, one in three people said it was a fear of injections and needles, and 25% said it was the thought of pain. The good news is that as dentists we don’t have two heads and protruding eyeballs; we’re kind and compassionate human beings who totally under patients’ fears and do all we can to allay them. In fact with a combination of a relaxing environment, painless gentle treatments, and advanced dental technologies, we make sure that your visit is as pleasant as can be. If you haven’t visited a Southampton dentist for years because of anxiety and fear, then be assured that you’ll find the experience much more bearable than before.
Why are some people so scared of the dentist?
For many people it’s unpleasant memories of visiting the dentist when they were a child. They remember the clinical smell and the stark waiting room. Nowadays you can expect to be greeted by a smiling receptionist and polite staff. The waiting rooms are tranquil and relaxed with soft pastel shades, colourful pictures on the walls, and a vase of fresh flowers. You’ll find a selection of magazines, a drinks machine and comfortable chairs to sit on.
When it comes to treatment you can expect to feel no pain at all. The dental wand, which is a kind of computer driven injection, is great for anyone who is scared of needles or we can apply plenty of numbing gel to your gums before giving you an injection. We also offer concious sedation techniques for anyone undergoing lengthy or complex treatments who’d prefer to be put in a relaxed frame of mind and barely aware of what is going on around them. Indeed, thanks to the use of superior 3D Cat scans and computer imagery, for some treatments such as dental implants we can do the majority of the planning backstage before you even undertake any treatment. Technologies such as these shorten the time spent in the dentist’s chair, enable accurate and precise treatment, and produce successful outcomes time and time again.
If you haven’t visited a dentist because you were too scared, then trust us to help. Call Smilemakers on 02380 442626 and book an appointment with Dr Thomas Darling. Mention that you have a fear of the dentist and we’ll do all we can to assist you. During an initial consultation we’ll carry out a thorough examination to assess your dental needs. If you decide to go ahead, we can map out a treatment plan and timeline for you. Often, simply by meeting our friendly team, seeing for yourself the environment and the state-of-the-art equipment, you may find your fears disappear. If you’d like more information about the practice then please visit our website at www.smilemakers.co.uk.
