Nervous about the dentist? You are not alone

16 / 10 / 2026

Nervous about the dentist? You are not alone

If the thought of visiting the dentist makes your heart race, you are in very good company. Dental anxiety is one of the most common fears there is, and it keeps many people away from the dentist for years. The good news is that it does not have to be that way. Here is how we help nervous patients at castle street.

Why do people feel nervous?

There are lots of reasons. Some people had a bad experience as a child. Others worry about pain, needles, the sounds and smells of the surgery, feeling out of control, or being judged about the state of their teeth. Whatever your reason, it is completely valid.

No judgement, ever

Many of our patients tell us they avoided the dentist for a long time because they were embarrassed. Please do not let that stop you. We see patients who have not been for years all the time, and our only aim is to help you feel better.

How we help

• Tell us when you book: By phone or email, so we can set aside extra time.
• A relaxed first visit: We can simply chat before any examination, so you can meet the team and ask questions.
• Everything explained: We tell you what we are doing before we do it, in plain English.
• You are in control: Agree on a stop signal, such as raising your hand, and we will stop straight away.
• Comfortable treatment: Modern local anaesthetic and gentle techniques make most treatment very comfortable.
• Small steps: We can break treatment into shorter appointments if that helps.
• Sedation: For patients who need extra support, sedation options are available; please ask our team.

You can read more on our nervous patients page.

Tips that can help

• Book an appointment early in the day, so you have less time to worry.
• Bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast.
• Bring a friend or family member for support.
• Practise slow, deep breathing before and during your appointment.
• Start with something simple, like a check-up or hygiene visit.

Why it is worth taking the first step

Avoiding the dentist often means small problems become bigger ones, which can make visits harder in the long run. Regular, gentle care is the best way to keep treatment simple.

We are here for you

Our friendly team will look after you from the moment you call. When you are ready, call us on 01494 527971 and just let us know you feel nervous.