Oral health information Oral health library My fear of the dentist Being nervous about the dentist is very common. Some people feel slightly anxious, while others have a strong fear or phobia. These feelings are normal. But if fear stops you from getting dental care, it can affect your health and wellbeing. Why do people feel scared? There are many reasons someone might feel afraid of the dentist. The sound of the drill. The smells in the dental practice. Fear of needles. Feeling uncomfortable lying back in the chair. Feeling claustrophobic when someone is working in your mouth. A bad experience in the past. Unpleasant childhood memories. Stories from other people. Not having visited for a long time. Worry about what treatment might be needed. How can I take the first step? Getting familiar with the practice can really help. Visit the practice before booking an appointment. Talk to the receptionist and ask questions. Look around so the place feels more familiar. When booking, say that you feel anxious. The team can then book you with a dentist who has experience helping nervous patients. What happens at the first visit? If you have not been for a while, dentistry may feel very different now. Dentists are trained to help nervous patients. Modern treatments are much more comfortable than in the past. At the first visit, you may just have a check-up. The dentist will look at your teeth and gums. They might take x-rays. You will be told what treatment is needed and the cost. You can then decide what to do next. Can I take someone with me? Yes. You can bring a friend or family member for support. They can stay with you during the appointment if you wish. What if I feel I can’t cope with treatment? Extra help is available. Your dentist or doctor may prescribe medicine to help you relax. You might be referred to a clinic that offers dental sedation. Sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed during treatment. I’m afraid of needles. What can help? Tell your dentist. They can use numbing gel on your gum first. This helps you feel little or nothing from the injection. Will my fear ever get better? Yes, for many people it does. Regular visits help you get used to the environment. You build trust with your dental team. Over time, visits often feel easier and less stressful. With the right support, dental care can become a normal and manageable part of life. People who viewed this page also visited Gum disease Tooth decay Relaxation and sedation Last reviewed : Next review due : Manage Cookie Preferences