Nervous Patients, Hamilton
Scared of the Dentist?
If you're nervous about the dentist, your first visit to us in Hamilton can be nothing more than a conversation, with no treatment and no pressure. After that you set the pace. We explain each step before we take it, stop the moment you signal, and offer IV sedation for treatment if you need more help.Your first visit can be just a conversation. You set the pace, you can stop us any time, and IV sedation is there for treatment.
Not ready to talk on the phone? A WhatsApp message is fine. Say as much or as little as you like.
How We Work with Nervous Patients
Small habits, used every time, so you always know what's coming and you're never stuck.
You See Us Before the Chair
The first appointment can be held sitting upright, talking. You tell us what frightens you and what you'd like help with, and nothing else happens unless you ask.
We Say It Before We Do It
Every step is described first: the sensations to expect, any noise involved and how many minutes it should take. No surprises, and no instruments appearing out of nowhere.
A Stop Signal That Works
Before we begin we agree a signal, usually a raised hand. When you use it, we stop. We don't finish the bit we're on first, and we never ask you to hold on.
Breaks Are Built In
For longer work we pause at set points so you can close your mouth, sit up, have a sip of water or just breathe. You can ask for an extra one whenever you need it.
Numbing Done Slowly
Gel on the gum first, so the area goes numb before the injection. The anaesthetic then goes in slowly, which is what makes it comfortable, and we check it has worked before starting.
IV Sedation for Treatment
For fillings, extractions or implant work, IV sedation leaves you deeply relaxed. It's £500 a session, and an adult has to collect you afterwards.
First Visit, Step by Step
You can stop after any of these steps and go home. Lots of people do, and come back when they're ready.
A Message or a Call
Tell us it's been a while, or that you're anxious. A friend or relative can get in touch for you. We'll note it on your record so you won't have to explain again on the day.
Sitting and Talking
We meet you, ask what's happened before and what worries you most. You can keep your coat on and your feet on the floor. That's the whole appointment if you want it to be.
A Look, If You Agree
When you're ready, a gentle look with a small mirror. We tell you what we see in plain words. No telling off, and no long list of faults.
A Plan You Can Live With
We agree what to tackle first (usually whatever hurts), how long each visit will be and whether sedation would help. Every fee is written down before anything starts.
Ways to Make It Easier
If It's Been Years
Plenty of people come to us after ten or twenty years away. It's more common than you'd think, and we're not going to make you feel bad about it.
Teeth that have been left are usually more fixable than people fear. We sort out anything painful first, then work through the rest at a speed you're comfortable with.
Embarrassed about how your teeth look? We see every kind of mouth, every day. We're interested in getting you comfortable, not in judging how you got here.
Six Fears We Hear About
Recognise yourself here? Mention it when you book and we'll plan around it.
Needles
Numbing gel first, a fine needle, and the anaesthetic given slowly. Most people feel a pinch at most. Some small fillings can be done without any injection at all.
The Drill
It's the high-pitched noise most people hate. Headphones help, and we'll say before we start and stop, so you're never caught off guard.
Pain
We test the numbness before we start. Anything sharp at all, put your hand up: we pause, give more anaesthetic and wait. Being numb is your right, not a favour.
Feeling Trapped
Lying back with someone over you is hard for many people. You can sit up whenever you like, and the stop signal puts you in control.
Being Told Off
You won't be. Whatever turns up, you'll hear it in plain language, along with what can be done, not about how it happened.
The Cost
Nobody likes a nasty surprise at the desk. Your plan comes in writing, every fee listed, before treatment starts, and you choose what goes ahead.
When Nerves Are Severe: IV Sedation
The sedative goes in through a fine plastic tube placed in the back of your hand or your arm. You stay awake and can answer us, but you feel deeply relaxed, an hour can feel like ten minutes, and memories of the treatment are usually hazy. It isn't a general anaesthetic, and the tooth is still numbed in the usual way.
We check your medical history first, because it doesn't suit everyone. On the day bring a responsible adult who can see you home and keep you company for the rest of the day. No driving, alcohol or signing important papers for 24 hours. Sedation is used for treatment, not routine dental examinations.
How IV sedation works| New patient examination, with X-rays | £70 |
| IV sedation, per session | £500 |
| Each additional 30 minutes | £250 |
| Hygiene visit, 30 minutes | £70 |
Treatment fees are on our price list and in your written plan. 1
Questions
Getting started, panicking and sedation.
Guides for Nervous Patients
Scared of the dentist? Things that genuinely help
Back to the dentist after years away
IV sedation for dental treatment: what to expect
Dental emergencies: first aid and getting seen
The Hardest Part Is the First Message
A couple of lines is enough: what worries you and how long it's been. We'll reply with an easy first step, and it can be as small as a chat.