Do you feel a knot in your stomach at the thought of a dental appointment? You are far from alone. Dental anxiety and phobia are incredibly common, affecting a significant portion of the UK population. A survey by Anxiety UK found that over half of Brits (53%) are afraid of visiting the dentist, with 17% having a phobia so severe they refuse to go for essential treatment. The primary reasons for this widespread fear are often rooted in a fear of pain (48%), the sound of the drill (41%), and bad past experiences. If you’re looking for a dentist in Oxford or a dentist in Kidlington who truly understands these fears, The White Bridge Clinic is here to help you on your journey to a healthier, happier smile.
The problem with dental anxiety
Avoiding the dentist might seem like a solution, but unfortunately, it often leads to a vicious cycle. Postponing regular check-ups can cause minor issues to become major problems, often requiring more invasive and complex treatments down the line. This can reinforce the very fears that caused the avoidance in the first place. At The White Bridge Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident about their oral health, and we are dedicated to helping you break this cycle. We’ve built our entire practice around a philosophy of gentle, compassionate care to ensure your experience is as stress-free as possible.
Our gentle approach: Designed with you in mind
Our commitment to a positive patient experience starts from the moment you walk through our doors. We understand that every patient is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns, fears, and previous experiences.
Longer appointments: We never rush our patients. By allocating longer appointment times, we ensure you have plenty of time to ask questions, take breaks, and feel fully in control of your treatment. This unhurried approach helps to build trust and significantly reduces anxiety.
Pain-free injections with QuickSleeper 5: One of the most common fears is the injection itself. We have invested in state-of-the-art technology to make this a thing of the past. Our QuickSleeper 5 is a computer-assisted anaesthetic system that delivers a virtually pain-free injection. It is so precise that it can numb a single tooth without the lingering side effect of a numb lip or cheek. This means no more fear of needles and a much more comfortable experience overall.
Digital scanners instead of moulds: Many patients find traditional putty impressions to be uncomfortable and a trigger for a gag reflex. We use the innovative Trios intraoral digital scanner to create highly accurate 3D models of your teeth. This not only increases comfort but also provides us with a more detailed and accurate view of your mouth, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Your solution for severe anxiety: Dental sedation in Oxford
For some people, even with all the gentle care in the world, the thought of a dental procedure is overwhelming. For these patients, we offer dental sedation as a safe and effective way to ensure their comfort during treatment.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation, often referred to as ‘sleep dentistry’, is a technique that uses medication to help you relax during a dental procedure. It’s important to note that you are not put to sleep; instead, you will feel very drowsy and relaxed, but you will still be conscious and able to respond to simple instructions from your dentist. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Is sedation right for me?
Sedation is an excellent option for patients who:
- Have moderate to severe dental anxiety or phobia.
- Are uncomfortable with dental instruments.
- Have a strong gag reflex.
- Require a longer or more complex procedure.
- Have difficulty sitting still in the dental chair.
Our sedation dentist will perform a full consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate. We will discuss your medical history and the type of treatment you need to ensure sedation is a safe and effective option for you.
The sedation process
We use intravenous (IV) sedation, which involves a small, pain-free injection of a sedative medication into a vein in your arm. The medication works quickly to produce a state of deep relaxation and calm. Throughout the entire procedure, a trained professional will monitor your vital signs, ensuring your safety and comfort at all times. Once the treatment is complete, you will gradually awaken, feeling calm and at ease. Due to the sedative effects, a friend or family member will need to escort you home after your appointment.
Your path to a confident smile
At The White Bridge Clinic, our ultimate goal is to help you feel so comfortable and confident that you may no longer need sedation for future appointments. We believe that with our patient-focused approach, combined with modern technology and a compassionate team, a visit to the dentist can become a positive experience.
We want to empower you to take control of your oral health without fear. Whether you’ve been avoiding the dentist for years or you’re simply looking for a more gentle and understanding dental experience, we are ready to welcome you.
Don’t let dental anxiety hold you back from the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Take the first step today. We invite you to book an initial consultation with The White Bridge Clinic, your trusted dentist in Kidlington. We are ready to help you rediscover your smile with our gentle dentistry approach and expert dental sedation in Oxford. Contact us today to start your journey toward a more confident you.
You can book an appointment easily online, or call us on 01865 951861 or email info@thewhitebridgeclinic.co.uk.
