Can I be put to sleep for dental treatment?

Yes. General anaesthetic is available for dental treatment in extreme cases, usually in a hospital setting. IV sedation is more common — you remain conscious but deeply relaxed and unlikely to remember the procedure.

Is dental anxiety common?

Very. Around 36% of the UK population experiences some level of dental anxiety, and 12% have extreme phobia. Dentists deal with anxious patients every day and are trained to help.

How do I tell my dentist I'm anxious?

Simply tell them. You can mention it when booking, on your registration form, or at the start of your appointment. Most practices have a system for flagging anxious patients so the whole team is aware.

Does sedation cost extra?

Yes. Sedation is an additional charge on top of treatment costs. Inhalation sedation typically costs £50–£150, while IV sedation adds £200–£500. These are rarely covered by NHS funding.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Practical Tips & Techniques | OpenWide

Dental anxiety affects around 36% of the UK population, with 12% experiencing extreme dental phobia. If fear has stopped you from visiting the dentist, you are not alone — and modern dentistry has more solutions than ever. This guide covers practical coping strategies, sedation options, and how to find a practice that specialises in helping nervous patients.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety ranges from mild nervousness to severe phobia that prevents people from seeking care altogether. Common triggers include:

- Fear of pain or needles - Past negative experiences (especially in childhood) - Loss of control while lying in the dental chair - Embarrassment about the condition of your teeth - Fear of judgement from the dentist - Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or the clinical environment

Dental anxiety is a recognised condition and every dentist in the UK is trained to support anxious patients. There is no judgement — dentists want to help you, whatever your starting point.

Practical Coping Techniques

These evidence-based strategies can help you manage anxiety before and during dental appointments:

Tell your dentist about your anxiety — they can adjust their approach, explain each step, and go at your pace

Book a "meet and greet" visit to see the practice without any treatment

Choose a morning appointment when you have less time to build up worry

Practice deep breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4

Listen to music or a podcast with headphones during treatment

Agree a "stop" signal (like raising your hand) so you feel in control

Try progressive muscle relaxation: tense and release each muscle group while waiting

Bring a trusted friend or family member for support

Use distraction techniques: count ceiling tiles, squeeze a stress ball, or focus on wiggling your toes

Sedation Options

For moderate to severe anxiety, sedation can make dental treatment comfortable and sometimes even forgettable:

Type	What It Does	Cost	Recovery
Inhalation (happy gas)	Mild relaxation, reduces anxiety, wears off in minutes	£50 – £150	Immediate — drive home same day
Oral sedation	Tablet taken before appointment for moderate relaxation	£50 – £100	2–4 hours — need someone to drive you
IV sedation	Deep relaxation, may not remember treatment	£200 – £500	4–6 hours — need escort home
General anaesthetic	Fully unconscious — for extreme phobia or complex cases	£500 – £1,500	Full day — hospital setting required

Finding a Dentist for Anxious Patients

Not all practices are equal when it comes to supporting anxious patients. Here is what to look for:

Practices that explicitly advertise "nervous patient" or "dental phobia" services

Availability of sedation options (at minimum, inhalation sedation)

Extra-long appointment slots so you are never rushed

Patient reviews mentioning anxiety support — check OpenWide reviews for keywords like "nervous", "anxious", or "gentle"

A calm, modern environment without the stereotypical clinical feel

Staff trained in cognitive behavioural techniques for dental anxiety

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