Understanding your Dental Anxiety

25 / 08 / 2025

Understanding Your Dental Anxiety: A Personal and Honest Look

For many people, a visit to the dentist is something they would rather avoid.

Dental anxiety is very real, and it affects people in different ways. Some might feel mild unease the day before an appointment, while others may experience significant fear that prevents them from attending at all.  Our team at Crook Log Dental Practice, Bexleyheath, are here to support you all the way.

This is not about being dramatic or difficult. Anxiety is a valid response, often shaped by past experiences, fear of pain, embarrassment, or simply a sense of not being in control.  As dental professionals, we do not judge this. In fact, many of us have family members or close friends who feel the same way.  We understand that trust is not built overnight.

We are here to help and comfort you, throughout every visit.

Where dental anxiety comes from

There is no single cause of dental anxiety. It might come from a memory of a painful procedure, especially if it happened in childhood. Some people worry about being judged for the condition of their teeth or feel ashamed if they have not attended in a long time. Others find the sounds, smells or even the feeling of being reclined in the chair overwhelming.  Many patients avoid routine or cosmetic dentistry for years because of anxiety, often this stems from a fear of the unknown.  We are here to help and will never judge you.

Anxiety can also be part of a wider pattern. People who live with general anxiety or post-traumatic stress may find dental treatment particularly difficult. Recognising this is important. It’s not always something that can be ‘fixed’ with distraction or deep breathing.

What can help?

There are a number of approaches that might make dental treatment more manageable, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

What works for one person may not help another, and that is why we try to take time to listen and adapt where we can.

Here are a few strategies that some patients have found helpful:

1. Talking things through
Being honest about your concerns with your dental team can often help.   To find out more about our team before you arrive, check out our team page here https://www.crooklogdentalpractice.co.uk/our-team/

We are trained to work with nervous patients and can adjust the pace of your appointment. In some cases, just knowing that you can raise your hand to pause may reduce the feeling of being trapped.

2. Gradual exposure
Some patients feel more comfortable by taking things slowly.  This might involve starting with a consultation, then moving on to simple cleaning, and eventually building up to further care. It may take time, and that’s okay.  Dr Khan, Dr Younis and the whole team will guide you through your treatment at your pace.

3. Sedation options
For certain procedures, sedation may be appropriate. This is not the same as being unconscious, but it can help reduce anxiety and make treatment feel more manageable. Sedation is not suitable for everyone and does carry some risks, so it is important to have a full discussion with your dentist about the pros and cons.  Nervous patients often opt to take their check ups at a slow pace, with breaks when needed; prior to opting for sedation when having restorative or cosmetic dental treatment.

4. Psychological support
In some cases, support from a psychologist or counsellor might be helpful. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help with certain types of phobias. Your GP may be able to refer you, or you might find a therapist who has experience in this area.

A helpful guide

There is a helpful guide available here; https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anxiety-fear-panic/ which details options available to help with symptoms of fear, anxiety and panic.

Things to be cautious of

It’s worth noting that not all advertised “solutions” for dental anxiety are evidence-based. Some clinics may promote techniques or technologies that sound promising but may not have clear research to support their effectiveness.

Always feel comfortable asking questions about what is being offered, and whether it’s right for your needs.

It’s also okay to seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right. Your comfort and safety should come first.  Crook Log Dental Practice prides itself on placing patient care at the heart of everything we do.

If you haven’t been in a while

One of the most common things we hear is, “I haven’t been in years, and I’m worried you’ll judge me.” Please know that this is not unusual. Our Dentists see people at all stages of oral health.  Our role is to help, not to criticise.  We are not here to ‘tell you off’, our team will help you achieve the smile you deserve, this might mean clean and healthy teeth and gums, or  a natural looking smile makeover, consisting of composite bonding, veneers or Invisalign; we work with you to achieve ethical, natural-looking results, in a calming environment.

Teeth and gums may change over time, and sometimes treatment is needed. But often, starting with a simple check-up or even just a conversation can be the first step forward.

A final thought

Dental anxiety is complex. There is no quick fix, and not every appointment will feel easy. But with the right support, and a pace that works for you, it may become more manageable over time.

If you are feeling anxious about seeing a dentist, know that you are not alone. You deserve care that respects your experience, and that starts with a conversation.

A word from our manager

Practice Manager Yazmyn says “All our Dentists and Hygienists are amazing with anxious patients, they really go the extra mile to ensure patient comfort throughout every appointment.  The patient remains in control throughout.  It is so rewarding to see how proud patients are, when they complete the treatment they have been avoiding for so long”

If you wish to book an appointment, our team will guide you through the process, ensuring that we take  the time to listen to your concerns.  Any appointments you attend will be at your own pace, with treatment only going ahead when you are comfortable and ready. 

Call today on 0208 303 3838 to make that all important first step.