With over 30 years of experience, our team has seen all kinds of dental anxiety, from mild to full-blown dental phobia. Unfortunately, dental phobias often prevent patients from visiting dental clinics for years.
If you are worried you have dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Our experience indicates around 25% of people exhibit some form of anxiety before visiting the dentist.
Typically, it’s the fear of pain that triggers it. However, over the last decade, dental procedures have improved exponentially, and many modern practices provide environments and pain-free treatment options—all less stressful than what you might remember from your childhood.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to reduce your fear of treatment. Read on for our top tips for helping you relax in our clinic.
Tell your dentist about your fears
If we know you are anxious, we can explain treatment options and discuss any concerns you may have. By letting the dentist know exactly why the experience is challenging, you’ll feel more in control in the examination chair and less worried about what might happen.
Choose a dentist you like
You must pick a dentist you like because it helps you build trust. Our practice has several dentists and will ensure you find someone who makes you feel at ease.
Bring in some music
We don’t mind if you listen to music while we work on your teeth, especially if it helps you relax and distract yourself from the treatment.
Practise some deep breathing techniques
Breathing techniques are fantastic for managing anxiety. You can practice breathing in the waiting room to help calm you before your appointment.
Schedule a morning appointment
Many patients find booking an early morning appointment works best, as it helps prevent them from worrying about the appointment all day.
Have a ‘stop signal’
We encourage patients to agree to a ‘stop’ signal. They can use this to let their dentist know they’re uncomfortable and need a break during the appointment. Having a stop signal lets patients feel li
ke they have control, helping them feel more relaxed about the treatment.
Pop in regularly
Coming into the practice regularly for cleaning, seeing the hygienist, or discussing treatment options works in two ways. It acclimatises you to the surgery and being around the dental environment. And, of course, it means you are more likely to avoid more severe problems which result in complex procedures.
While all these points can help, we also see people whose phobias are so intense they require additional medication to help them through their treatment. Whatever works for you works for us.
How do you find a good dentist?
Now that you have all these management techniques to help with your fear, the next step is to find a reputable dentist in South Perth.
Here are our tips for finding a good Vic Park dentist.
Ask your friends and family for referrals
For dentists, word of mouth is essential, so ask your family and friends for recommendations. Online reviews also help narrow it down, so do some research on the internet. You must feel comfortable with whoever you choose because it will put you at ease. Reading online reviews provides excellent insight into what a business is really like. Patient reviews typically reflect people’s overall experience.
Here at Aardent Dental Centre, we’re proud of our 5-star reviews on Google. Please feel free to read them.
Look at how much experience they have
As with most careers, experience matters. Look for an established dental clinic with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Extra training is essential for dental specialties like orthodontics and endodontics, and our team welcomes all opportunities to broaden their skill sets.
Consult the Australian Dental Association
The peak national body for dentists, the Australian Dental Association, has a library of information covering the latest dentistry news and regulations. Use the ADA’s Find a Dentist Service to help you locate a dentist near you.
What does your health insurance fund cover?
Review what your health insurance fund covers—be sure to check the specific dental services. Some private health insurers have ‘preferred’ dentists, promising reduced out-of-pocket expenses. This is not always a reliable way of choosing a good dentist. Often it can be a false economy to let your health fund push you towards a participating provider. Instead, choose an independent dentist with a good reputation and get high quality treatment that will stand the test of time.
The most important thing is feeling comfortable” with “whichever you choose” You don’t have to let your health fund dictate your choice of healthcare provider.
Call Aardent Dental Clinic
Don’t let your dental anxiety prevent you from booking a check-up. Call our dental clinic in Victoria Park. We can discuss ways to make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. Informing our friendly staff about your fears means they can work to keep you calm. This is especially important if you require an emergency dentist in Perth.
Regular check-ups can avoid most dental issues, so don’t let your dental anxiety get in the way of your dental health. Choosing a dentist is a long-term proposition because building a relationship allows them to understand your specific oral condition intimately. This familiarity makes it more likely for them to notice changes.
Why choose Aardent Dental Centre as your dentist in Victoria Park?
Aardent Dental Centre has 30 years of experience providing outstanding dental services in Vic Park, Perth, from emergency dental services to improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry.
Contact us today, and let us show you why the team at Aardent Dental Centre is respected among dentists in Victoria Park and South Perth.
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