Dental Anxiety
Whatever Worries You About the Dentist, We’ll Make It Easier
Do You Feel Nervous About Going to the Dentist?
We Get It.
Maybe it’s a past experience, the sounds or tools dentists use, or you’re worried that it might hurt. There are all sorts of reasons people avoid check-ups, but your reason doesn’t need to keep you away. We understand and are committed to helping you feel at ease at every visit.
We care about how you feel. The first step is simply to talk to us. Let us know what’s worrying you and we can find ways to make your visit easier by discussing options to help you feel less nervous. Avoiding dental appointments can cause minor problems to become serious, so a check-up can give you peace of mind and help keep your teeth and gums in good shape.
We’ll work together to make this possible.
Psychologist, Dr Ash King
Hear a Psychologist’s Tips on How to Stay Calm at the Dentist
It’s normal to be nervous. There are many different ways to help people feel more at ease at the dentist - whether it’s listening to your favourite music or podcast, or using simple breathing techniques to help you relax. Discover what works best for you with my helpful guide. It’s full of practical advice on what to expect and how to stay calm at the dentist.
"Like, sweat-dripping, full-body dread (which early exposure to The Little Shop of Horrors didn’t help). For years, I skilfully avoided appointments until I had to get braces as a teenager. It was scary at first, but over time I learned that it didn’t have to be traumatic - especially with the right people looking after you. Now? I actually like going. I’m proud of how I’ve looked after my teeth, and even more proud of how I faced something that once felt huge and unmanageable. If I can do it, so can you - truly."
“I’ll be honest, I used to be terrified of going to the dentist.” - Psychologist, Dr Ash King
The Signs and Support
What are the signs of dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a sense of unease or worry that arises when thinking about visiting the dentist. For some, these feelings are mild, while for others they can be overwhelming. You might:
- Lose sleep before an upcoming dental appointment
- Feel nauseous, anxious or upset
- Experience symptoms like sweating or a racing heart
- Avoid or delay dental visits altogether, even if you need treatment
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are ways to help you feel more comfortable and less stressed about going to the dentist.
HOW?
How we support anxious patients?
Everything we do is designed to make your experience as calm and comfortable as possible:
- Gentle and personalised approach
We take time to understand your concerns and go at your pace. - Clear communication
We explain everything before we begin, so there are no surprises. - Comfort-focused care
We can talk through options to help you feel calm – from simple distractions like listening to music, to using happy gas or sedation, where appropriate. - Care that continues
We stay in touch after your appointment to make sure all is well.
WHY?
Why oral health is worth it?
Looking after your teeth and gums is about more than just avoiding cavities. It’s an act of self-care that supports your whole body and mind:
- Prevent bigger issues
Regular check-ups help catch things early, before they become painful or expensive. - Feel better overall
Poor oral health has been linked to heart issues, immune problems, and more. - Eat, speak, smile with confidence
A healthy mouth makes everyday life smoother. - Live your life without pain
Don’t let toothaches or jaw pain slow you down.
Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, you deserve care that feels safe and respectful. If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, talk to us. We’re ready to listen and support, every step of the way.
Supporting Someone Else Who’s Anxious
If your child, partner, or loved one is feeling nervous about an appointment, your calm presence can make a world of difference.
Here’s how you can help:
- Validate how they feel: “It’s okay to be scared. Lots of people feel this way”.
- Practice calming techniques together: Do the breathing exercise as a team.
- Create a reward or ritual: Something to look forward to after the appointment (ice cream, a park visit, a new book).
- Be Patient: Avoid “you’ll be fine” and instead ask what would help them feel more comfortable.
- Come along: If appropriate, be there for support - a familiar face can be incredibly
Sedation Options for Dental Anxiety
A range of options involving different degrees of sedation are available to help manage dental anxiety - the most popular being what’s often referred to as ‘happy gas’. Inhaling the gas through a mask helps you feel calm yet alert and the effects wear off quickly.
Happy Gas - Often considered the mildest form of sedation, nitrous oxide (sometimes called laughing gas or happy gas) is delivered through a small nose mask as an inhaled analgesic. It is a sweet-smelling gas that is blended with oxygen, and sedation levels can be controlled throughout the procedure.
Oral Sedation - For potentially longer-lasting and possible deeper sedation, your dentist may prescribe prescription medication prior to your procedure. It usually takes about an hour for the medication to take effect. One of our clinical staff will look after you throughout the process.
Conscious (Twilight) Sedation - a sedation medication that is given by an anaesthetist via IV. You feel deeply relaxed and may not remember the procedure.
Our dentists are happy to have a conversation about using gas during your check-up or dental procedure, and whether this or a different sedation option is suitable for you.
Ask the Dentist: FAQs for Nervous Patients
Our dentists offer various techniques and options to help patients feel more comfortable and less anxious during treatment. These may include relaxation techniques and sedation options. Our dental team is experienced in dental anxiety, and we’re all ready to discuss ways to help you feel more at ease.
Talk to your dentist about sedation options. They can discuss using happy gas (nitrous oxide) and can advise on whether you may be suitable for other options such as twilight sedation, if available.
Talk to us. We understand your nervousness or fears and are ready to listen and advise you on a way forward – which is usually having a check-up. Every member of our team is committed to helping you feel calm and comfortable so that you can get the treatment you need.
We Care About Your Expenses
The cost of a dental visit is often less than you think, but we understand why people may put one off due to cost concerns. Some dental treatments can be costly, however a small problem that’s ignored tends to grow into a bigger one that’s likely to cost more in the long run. We’ve got different ways to help, with our New Patient Offer* and our flexible payment plans.
We accept all major health insurance providers – and with our HICAPS facilities you can claim your rebate on the same day as your treatment.
St Mark Dental
We look forward to seeing your smile.
Disclaimer:
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Contact us for more information. Rebates may vary depending on your individual health fund.