Call our friendly team and discuss your concerns beforehand.
Ask about pain-free options and anxiety management techniques.
Visit our practice before your appointment for a meet-and-greet with the team.
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Last Reviewed 10 March 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr Mark Flynn, Founder & Principal Dentist, Dental Team
Dental anxiety and dental phobias are more common than many people realise.
At The Modern Dentist, we see a large number of new patients who feel anxious about visiting the dentist.
Thankfully, our specialised techniques help even the most nervous patients overcome their fears and become regular patients—without breaking into a sweat at the thought of an appointment.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can range from mild apprehension — such as a fear of injections — to severe phobia, where even the thought of a dental visit causes distress.
Many patients avoid seeing a dentist for years and only seek care when they are in pain or require urgent treatment.
Did you know?
Studies suggest that over a third of people experience some form of dental anxiety, while 12% suffer from extreme dental phobia.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mark Flynn
Founder & Principal Dentist, Dental Team
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How Do I Know If I Have Dental Anxiety?
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel nervous, anxious, or fearful, you may have dental anxiety.
This can be caused by past experiences, second-hand stories, or even an unknown fear.
Common signs of dental anxiety:
Feeling tense or panicked before or during a dental visit
Avoiding dental appointments despite needing treatment
Trouble sleeping the night before a visit
Increased heart rate or sweating in a dental setting
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Causes of Dental Anxiety
The most common triggers include:
Previous bad experiences at the dentist
Fear of needles or injections
The sound of drilling or other dental tools
Concern about pain or discomfort
Feeling out of control in the dental chair
Gag reflex sensitivity
The good news: No matter the cause, dental anxiety can be managed and even overcome.
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How We Help Nervous Patients At The Modern Dentist
At The Modern Dentist, we specialise in pain-free, anxiety-friendly dental procedures.
Our methods focus on building trust and helping our nervous dental patients feel calm and in control.
1. Desensitisation – Step-by-Step Treatment
This is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety over time.
Instead of beginning with complex treatments, we start with simple, stress-free visits like cleanings or check-ups.
As your confidence grows, we gradually introduce more advanced procedures at a pace dictated by you.
2. Distraction Techniques – A Calming Experience
We offer several ways to distract you during treatment, so you can focus on something other than what is happening in your mouth.
The Sensate System – A unique method using gentle vibrations on your chest in sync with calming sounds through headphones. This stimulates the vagus nerve, which naturally reduces stress and regulates your nervous system.
Noise-cancelling headphones – Block out sounds that trigger anxiety.
3. Conscious Sedation – A Relaxed, Pain-Free Solution
If you're a very nervous patient or someone who experiences severe dental phobia, or if your anxiety is less severe but you need complex, difficult treatments, we offer intravenous (IV) dental sedation in partnership with Sedation Solutions (Visit Sedation Solutions).
What is conscious sedation?
You remain awake but deeply relaxed.
It helps block pain and anxiety.
Most patients experience partial or full memory loss of the procedure, preventing future fear.
Many patients tell us with sedation dentistry, they felt like they slept through their appointment.
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Take the First Step Towards Fear-Free Dentistry
At The Modern Dentist, we understand how challenging dental anxiety can be.
But with the right support, you can overcome your fear and take control of your oral health.
Book a consultation today and let us help you feel at ease in the dental chair.
Book your free consultation.
We'll get to know you and your teeth, and answer all your questions!
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