Home› Services›Dentistry for nervous and anxious patients
You are not the only one
Dentistry for nervous and anxious patients
As adults we hold memories in our bodies: the sound of a drill, an appointment that hurt, a dentist who did not make us feel safe. Those memories keep many people away for years. Here is how we work with that, not against it.
How we approach dental anxiety
Dr. Fadavi’s aim is simple: that you receive the care you need and feel safe and comfortable while getting it. In practice that means:
- Meet first, treat later. You can book a consultation to meet Dr. Fadavi, see the office and talk about what worries you, with no treatment on that day.
- Step-by-step explanations. Before anything happens you will know what it is, why, and what it will feel like. You can stop us at any point with a raised hand.
- Bring someone. A friend or family member is welcome in the room.
- Shorter, more frequent visits. Treatment can be spread over several appointments, and scheduled for a less stressful period in your life.
- Gentle freezing. Dr. Fadavi is known for a careful, gentle technique with local anaesthetic, and we make sure it has fully taken effect before we start.
- Sedation where appropriate. For some patients and procedures, sedation helps them relax. We will discuss whether it is suitable for you and what it involves.
A calm office, on purpose
The reception area has subdued music and complimentary beverages, and appointments are booked with extra time so you are not kept waiting or hurried. Nobody here will lecture you about how long it has been.
If you have avoided the dentist for years
Many of our patients started exactly this way. The first visit is usually just an examination and a conversation. We will tell you honestly what we see, what matters most, and what can wait, and we will agree on a pace that works for you.
Signs of dental anxiety we take seriously
- Trouble sleeping the night before an appointment
- Feeling unwell or panicky in the waiting room
- Rescheduling or putting off visits again and again
- Gagging or holding your breath during treatment
Telling us about any of these is not an inconvenience. It is the most useful thing you can do to help us look after you.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Do you offer sedation?
Sedation is recommended for some patients and procedures to help them relax. Whether it is suitable depends on your health, medications and the treatment planned, so we discuss it with you at a consultation first.
Can I just come and look around?
Yes. A no-treatment consultation to meet Dr. Fadavi and see the office is a good first step for many nervous patients.
What if I need to stop during treatment?
Agree a signal with us before we start, usually a raised hand. We stop, you take a break, and we continue only when you are ready.
Ready when you are
Call us, or send an appointment request and we’ll reply during office hours. Emergencies: please phone.