Nervous Patients

25% of us dread a visit to the dentist, but there are ways to overcome your fear.

Being afraid of the dentist means different things to different people. Maybe it’s the thought that treatment will hurt, or that the sounds and smells bring back memories of bad experiences as a child.

The good news is that at Katoomba Dental we understand our patients’ fears. With a combination of kindness and gentleness we can do a lot to make dental treatments stress free. If you haven’t seen a dentist for several years because of fear or anxiety, be reassured that you should find the experience more bearable nowadays.

Tips to ease dental fear

• We suggest that you visit our surgery to have a look around, meet the receptionists and dentists and see the environment. Let us know that you’re anxious so we know beforehand.
• Pick an appointment time early in the morning so you have less time to dwell on it.
• The first appointment will simply be a check-up so don’t worry that you’ll be launched into having a filling, the drill or a needle; chances are you might not need any of these. See this first visit as your chance to get to know the dentist.
• Take a friend with you to your appointment. We don’t mind if they accompany you throughout the check-up or treatment.
• Agree a sign with the dentist to signal that you need a break and want them to stop. It can be as simple as pointing your finger, and will help you feel more in control.
• If you think it will help, start gradually with a clean and polish then work up to more extensive treatment once you’ve built up trust and rapport with us.
• We do provide music and movies and if you prefer, you may bring your own equipment with you to listen to music during your visit. It will help you relax.