Understanding and Overcoming Dental Anxiety at Surrey Dental Practice

Dental Anxiety

For many people, visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience. If the thought of sitting in the dental chair fills you with fear or worry, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common condition that affects both children and adults, and it can lead to avoiding important dental care altogether.

At Surrey Dental Practice in Guildford, we understand how real and overwhelming dental anxiety can be. Our team is here to help you feel calm, safe, and supported—every step of the way.

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety refers to fear, stress, or nervousness related to visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures. It can range from mild unease to severe phobia, sometimes called dental phobia.

Common causes include:

• Fear of pain or discomfort
• Negative past dental experiences
• Feeling helpless or out of control
• Embarrassment about the condition of your teeth
• Fear of needles or specific instruments

How We Help You Feel Comfortable

At Surrey Dental Practice, we take a gentle and personalised approach to care. We never rush, and we take the time to understand your concerns and work at your pace.

Here’s how we make your experience better:

1. Warm, Welcoming Environment

Our Guildford clinic is designed to feel calm and friendly. From the moment you arrive, our team will greet you with patience and understanding. Our practice focuses on creating a relaxed atmosphere for all patients—including those who feel nervous about treatment.

2. Clear Communication

We explain every step of your treatment and make sure you’re comfortable before we begin. You’re always in control—you can ask questions, take breaks, or stop the treatment at any time. Many patients find that just knowing what’s going to happen next helps them feel more relaxed.

3. Gentle, Compassionate Care

We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible. For more anxious patients, we offer additional options like sedation, which can be discussed during your consultation. If sedation is appropriate for you, we can arrange for an experienced external anaesthetist to safely administer the sedative while our dentist carries out your treatment. This allows you to feel calm and relaxed throughout your procedure.

4. Tailored Appointments

We understand that some patients need a little extra time. We can arrange longer or quieter appointments, especially if you’d prefer a slower pace or quieter times of the day. Let us know what works best for you.

Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety

If you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming appointment, try these tips:

Talk to us: Let us know about your fears. The more we know, the better we can support you.
Bring a friend or family member: Having someone you trust with you can provide extra reassurance.
Use relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, calming music, or guided meditation apps can help soothe nerves before and during your visit.
Start with a simple check-up: Sometimes, just getting into the chair and having a friendly chat can help break the cycle of fear.

Avoiding the dentist due to anxiety can lead to more serious dental issues over time—but it doesn’t have to be that way. At Surrey Dental Practice, we’re passionate about helping nervous patients rediscover confidence in their smile and feel relaxed about their dental care.

If you’ve been putting off your visit, we invite you to take the first step and book a friendly, no-pressure consultation. We’ll take it from there—together.