Are You Afraid of the Dentist? We Can Help
It’s quite common for many people to feel a little bit of apprehension about visiting our dental surgery in Leeds, even though we’re all very friendly! It’s estimated approximately three quarters of the population feel slight anxiety about dental appointments, but another 10 to 15% are so anxious they actively avoid dental treatments, and many choose to put up with considerable dental pain rather than to ask for help. Dental fear is something we take very seriously here at Leeds City Dentalcare, as the implications can affect far more than just your mouth.
People who haven’t seen the dentist for a while, and who know their teeth are in poor condition are more likely to avoid social situations due to embarrassment about the way their teeth look, and may even have to avoid certain foods due to difficulties in chewing. This not only makes it more difficult to achieve a balanced diet, but can affect overall health. The connection between oral health and general health is becoming increasingly well studied, and has been linked to a number of serious health conditions including diabetes and heart disease.
Why do People Become Afraid of the Dentist?
Dental fear is something of a learned behaviour, so for example if your parents were afraid of visiting the dentist they are likely to have passed at least some of this fear on to you. It can also be as a result of having a bad experience in the dental chair, especially if this happens when you’re a child. Other people simply hate the loss of control they feel when they’re in the dental chair.
The trouble is that these feelings can escalate, and can result in even the mere mention of the dental appointment creating what’s called an ‘automatic fear response.’ You might find the thought of visiting the dentist makes you feel sick or that it brings you out in a cold sweat. One way to move past these feelings is to replace the bad experiences with good experiences, and we’d certainly hope that every visit to our Leeds surgery will be positive.
You’ll Find a Sympathetic Reception at Leeds City Dentalcare
We realise some people find it extremely difficult to come and see us, but would like to reassure these patients that we are extremely sympathetic towards dental fear. Dr. David Brown and all of our dentists are used to treating people who haven’t seen the dentist Leeds for a while due to their fears. You’ll find we won’t judge you in any way, but simply want to help you overcome your anxiety so you can receive any dental care that’s necessary.
The first step is simply to let us know how you feel when you visit our Leeds surgery. You’ll find we are willing to listen to all your concerns, and will take the time to explain treatments and to answer any questions you may have. Your first appointment will only be for an examination, and is a chance for you to meet the dental team, and to start feeling more comfortable in our Leeds surgery. At this stage we’ll discuss any dental problems you may have, and how we’re going to plan treatments.
We’ll make sure you’re comfortable during treatments and that you know you can stop at any time as you’re always in control. We’ve successfully treated patients who haven’t seen the dentist for decades. Dr David Brown and the dental team here at Leeds will make sure your treatment proceeds at a pace you’re comfortable with, so you leave our surgery with a happier and healthier smile.
Dr. David S Brown
David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.
