Ian Moffat – Patient of Dr. Kal Patel (Fareham Road Dental Surgery)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

Ian Moffat Dental Phobia Case Study

I am not sure I am able to pin point one single cause or event for the development of my dental phobia. I believe it started at my old surgery when just after having my fixed braces removed I had a few tiny cavities, which needed to be filled to prevent further decay. I hadn’t been at the surgery long and hadn’t needed treatment with them before. As with most people, I was nervous anyway but nothing major.
When I got there I realized that there was a language barrier between the dentist and this made it slightly awkward from the first moment. I wasn’t greeted or comforted at all and there was no real explanation of what treatment I was going to undergo.

That first course of treatment was horrendous. No conversation was made and I was treated like just another patient rather than an individual. She injected anaesthetic without any warning, which was also conducted in an uncaring manner. All I knew was that I was getting fillings; I wasn’t even sure which teeth were getting work done on them on each occasion. I had been under the impression it was to be small fillings too, but after what seemed like an eternity of her drilling away at my back teeth I started to feel hot and sweaty.

I remember fluid building up in the back of my mouth and the assistant didn’t once use that suction thing to remove it and that was when the initial panic started because I was finding it hard to breathe and needed to swallow but couldn’t.

When she briefly stopped I explained I felt nauseous at this point. The response I got was something along the lines of; ‘don’t be silly, it won’t take long…’ etc. I found that treatment really painful and the panic I felt during it was so traumatic, I really wasn’t sure I wanted to go back.

What made you decide to take your first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

I was in agony in all day and night for weeks, even months; trying out every home remedy I could research on Google. I literally had drawers upon drawers of different toothpastes, mouthwashes, and painkillers. I even resorted to taking someone else’s prescription painkillers because I was in so much pain. Something had to be done and several people recommended Fareham Road Dental Surgery. It took days of deliberating just to find the strength to go and ask them for help.

What made you choose the dentist/clinic that you did?

I can’t fault anything with the practice. The receptionists are very friendly compared to the rude and obnoxious receptionists of my old practice. The first dentist I saw, and his assistant were fantastic, and I explained everything about my feelings and experiences and put me to ease and explained my options. They didn’t encourage it, but by that point I had set my mind on sedation, and knew a practice in Southsea, specialising in such treatment. Again, he had tried to persuade me to not go through down route but was empathetic and treated me like a person rather than just another job.

Over time with antibiotics relieving the infection I had again, and having had the sedations done, I was feeling slightly more comfortable but I still had a lot of work to do. My dentist left to join a hospital and my replacement dentist was Kal Patel.

Describe your dental experience.

With Kal’s help I managed to sit through my first course of treatment in a very long time which made me feel proud of myself and was a massive step in my journey to overcoming my phobia.

There were times during which I got infections regularly and I remember the dread I felt going to ask for help. I felt like I had let him and myself down. However, his reaction was fantastic and instead of telling me off, he accepted that I was phobic. He gave me the necessary treatment, and just asked how I was feeling, about my brushing habits and my diet.

It was surprising how little I knew about teeth considering how dental problems had ruled my life for years. I now own an electric toothbrush and don’t rinse my mouth out after brushing. I was also educated on the dangers of sugar and how the frequency of the intake can be more problematic than the actual quantity. This was useful as I had an obsession with energy drinks, which I would drink throughout the day. It also helped my phobia to know that he knew my specific case. For example, he remembered that I told him about my energy drinks and sugary snacks. It’s comforting to be asked about it during every appointment.

A year or so ago I couldn’t even imagine myself sitting through treatment, but with the perseverance and friendliness I’ve been shown, I will soon be looking at getting my smile back to how it was before.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I would be lying if I said I am 100% over my phobia, but I am at point where I can sit in the waiting room and look around and see I’m not most nervous person in the room anymore.

I am at the point where I almost look forward to going as I know it is for my benefit and instead of being hurt for nothing, I am going in there to improve myself and show off how well I’ve done and the hard work Kal has put in is paying off.

I’m even finding myself encouraging other people to go to the dentist who I know who are scared of making the first step like I was. I still feel nervous and a little panicky, but I am also put at ease in the knowledge I won’t get told off for asking for a break to compose myself.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

As with most things in life it’s harder to remember the good times than it is the bad. Despite the length of time my phobia is taking to overcome, I have to say that the team made me instantly feel relaxed. Kal’s approach to dentistry is rare and made such an impact that I’ve persuaded two work colleagues join the practice and my parents will be joining too soon.

Kal treats me as an individual and even finds time to speak to me about my personal life. I consider him a friend more than some scary dentist who will ultimately cause me pain.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

I’ve still got a fair while to go before my treatment to complete my smile will be finished but I am just happy to have come this far. My dental issues and the appearance of my teeth still bother me to some degree but I’m glad to know I have support waiting for me.

I regret several things about this phobia of mine, the first being that I regret not having the courage to move dentists sooner. It was the best decision I ever made. I regret that I let my teeth and my mental state regarding oral hygiene get to the point I let it. If I had confronted the issue as it was developing I could have saved myself from some of the worse pain I’ve ever felt in my life and also prevented my confidence getting destroyed.

When you’re petrified of the dentist you don’t think straight. I would probably have to advise people of the situation that in the future they might not have a phobia. I never imagined coming as far as I have so I genuinely feel gutted I was unable to feel how I feel now, back then.

Everyone is different and I’ve been lucky to get such an amazing dentist but the best bit of advice I could offer someone who felt like I did, would be the first step, which is picking up the phone or going to the practice, is the hardest step to take.

Don’t leave it as long as I did and remember that the dentists are here to help you, not hurt you.

You are not alone.

Fareham  Road  Dental  Surgery  -  333  Fareham  Road,  Gosport,  PO13  0AB  Tel:  01329 232910

April 10, 2013 at 1:40 pm | case studies | No comment

Carol Breedon – Patient Of Dr Steve Larcombe (St. Lawrence House Dental Practice)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

Going to the school dentist in 1951, standing in line with about thirty girls from my class,  the nurse would pull each girls head back by pulling the back hair  of the head. The dentist, smoking a cigarette and wearing a dirty blood stain apron, would make you open your mouth by pulling at our cheek’s and chin. Plus my parents did not encourage me to visit the dentist.

What made you take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia? What made you choose St. Lawrence House Dental Practice?

I saw an advert for Clinical Dental Technician Lee Butler at  Creek Road Hayling Island for my husband. When my husband went to see Lee to discuss new dentures. I went with him and then I asked Lee if he could help me, as he is qualified to make and fit natural looking dentures and give advice. When I explained to Lee that I was very frightened, felt faint and sick he listened, understood, reassured me that he would not put anything in my mouth, and he didn’t. He then advised me to go and see Steve Larcombe, at St. Lawrence House, 2 Barnes Close, Winchester, SO23 9QX.

Describe your Dental Experience

My first visit  to Steve was very traumatic, but again Steve was very understanding and reassured me, let me sit on a chair [not the dentist chair ] and let me talk and he listened, then spoke to me very softly and asked me if he could look in my mouth and take x-rays?  He helped me to the dental chair and just let me waffle on [how embarrassing was that], before he attempted to start checking my mouth. Steve explained what needed to be done and recommended a doctor that would be in attendance to sedate me. I agreed to this being done and felt quite relieved that I had started to allow Steve to help me.

The visit to have teeth extracted, I was in a terrible state, Steve again reassured me, introduced me to the Doctor who was going to administer the sedation. This Doctor was very understanding  and reassured me that I would not feel a thing. This turned out to be true as I cannot remember any of the treatment, only at home when I realized I had a wonderful new denture. I agreed to have the next appointment to have further teeth out in six months, but after four months I altered the appointment and went back for the same procedure as before, and again when the time came I was very frightened,  but as before Steve and the Doctor were very reassuring and I cannot remember any of that treatment either.

After six months I needed to go to see Lee for my permanent dentures, he again made first class dentures. I have never had a sore mouth or pain from these dentures. In January of this year I needed to visit Lee for advice, he told me to visit Steve and again the feeling of being sick and faint and  not sleeping was awful, but I went, and  Steve was very reassuring, listening  to me, never rushing me and I sat in the dental chair straight away. The dental nurse held  my  hand all of the time and spoke to me throughout. Steve was able to look at my tooth and take an x-ray. He gave advice and said that he could now administer the sedation.  I was not sure about this. Then he sat me down and explained again, and I agreed.

I then went home and back to Lee for an impression of my tooth so that it could be added to my  top denture ready for when I had the tooth extracted in a couple of days. I went back to Steve feeling exactly the same as before, but again I never felt a thing, I had the tooth extracted and my top denture with the new tooth fitted to it. My denture is perfect and I have had no pain or discomfort in my mouth.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia

My phobia is exactly as before, except, I will go straight away to Lee and Steve because I believe and trust them.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and avoiding the dentist?

Speak to a well qualified Clinical Dental Technician, Dentist and Dental Nurse. Do not necessarily choose the cheapest dentures. Choose one that you can afford, it works out cheaper in the long run. Tell the truth about how you feel, no matter how embarrassed you feel, by doing this the dental team will understand and help you. When you have had your treatment follow instructions from the Dentist and your Dental Technician, eat your meals no matter how long it takes you. This will keep your wellbeing in the best possible order, and in a few days you will feel better. Keep your denture in, this will make you feel confident, younger, and able to walk out without feeling your smile will let you down.

St. Lawrence House Dental Practice - 2 Barnes Close, Winchester, SO23 9QX Web: www.stlawrencehousedentalpractice.net, Tel: 01962 853489

February 26, 2013 at 1:37 pm | case studies | No comment

Suzy Masser – Patient Of Dr Richard Colebourne ( Evesham Dental Health Team)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

For me it all started with school dentist, like most people of my generation. I can recall several experiences where dentists would give me injections to numb my mouth but it didn’t work. They wouldn’t believe me and told me it was all in my imagination. This meant that I would have to endure the pain of treatment, which once included a 3hour root canal treatment appointment! I think these experiences have manifested themselves over the years and this resulted in my anxieties become extremely over-the-top.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting Evesham Dental Health Team?

I was recommended by a friend. I also went to my previous dentist on recommendation – he was highly recommended for nervous and anxious patients like myself. However, he didn’t put me at ease at all – he was impatient, put me on edge and had a complete lack of understanding for my phobia. He seemed all too happy to knock me out (sedate me) as it saved him any bother. I put up with it though as it is not easy to change.
It all came to a head two years ago though when I had extensive treatment for a new bridge. After enduring the numerous visits to have my new bridge made and fitted, I was left in a lot of pain and discomfort. So I returned to the dentist and they told me I would need root canal treatment. Being told this was all too much and I ended up breaking down afterwards when talking to a friend. It was her who encouraged me to seek a second opinion with Richard Colebourne at Evesham Dental Health Team. I was in such a state – I was in so much pain and I was really worried about what other treatment I would have to go through. And so despite having to travel such a long way, I had an appointment with Richard within a day or two.

What made you choose Evesham Dental Health Team?

On that first meeting with Richard, he did manage to put me at ease although it wasn’t easy. He was so relaxed; he listened and understood my experiences, which gave me confidence. He needed to take an xray to determine what was causing the pain. However with my previous dentist I found that even doing that was difficult for me; I found them horrendous as I gag very easily. The dentist would lose his cool and leave me for a few minutes before trying again – making me even more worked up. However, Richard helped me with deep breathing and I was able to relax a little so that he could do it. Afterwards looking at the xray, even I was able to see the problem and I am not a dentist – it was plain to see. The problem was that the bridge was loose – I did not need the root canal treatment. So it meant we had to go back to square one and start all over again with making a new bridge. But this time I knew that Richard would be the one to do it.

Please describe your care at Evesham Dental Health Team.

Everybody is reassuring, especially Richard and Angela (hygienist) who I see. In fact everyone is very reassuring right from when you walk in the door; it is very much a team effort. All the staff are extremely welcoming, friendly and calm, and so because there is such a relaxed atmosphere I do not feel anxious when I come in – I leave it at the front door.
The whole dental environment can contribute towards my anxiety, right from when I when first walk in the door. If a member of staff doesn’t seem quite right with you, or you receive a negative look, it can make me feel more on edge. It is so important when someone like me walks in that we receive the right impression. As a patient at EDHT it has never been conveyed to me if things aren’t quite right or if someone has been having a bad day. I always experience a warm welcome.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I have all my treatment with the dentist through IV sedation. When I first came to EDHT I did say I would love to not have to have sedation but I didn’t know how to do it without it. At one point I even thought I would need sedation for the hygienist. However, if I now need a straight-forward filling I honestly think I could do it with normal pain relief rather than having the sedation, although if it was a lengthy procedure I would still need it. I’ve come a long way – I now have confidence and I am reassured because I have built up trust with Richard and the team. However, it is a continuous process – it takes every appointment to build on that trust and confidence. It requires that extra effort every time from the staff and one bad experience could destroy all the trust that has been built up.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

I don’t have the same anxieties and phobia to the extent as I did in the past. I don’t think it will ever completely go away but when I walk into EDHT I know I am in safe hands, and they are going to look after me and not cause me any pain. It almost feels as though I am in a security blanket. However having said that, I would panic and be very worried if I had to go to see another dentist and couldn’t see Richard at EDHT.
I now feel as though I don’t really have any problems coming to see the dentist or hygienist. It has taken a long time for me to shed all the problems that I have experienced but it is no longer a white-knuckle experience and now I wonder why I was so worried.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

Go to EDHT! But failing that the best thing is to find a dentist / dental practice who understands anxiety. It is so important that your dentist is able to understand and empathise with you as a patient.
Evesham Dental Health Team – 16 Broadway Road, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 1BG, Web: www.eveshamdental.co.uk, Tel: 01386 422 833

September 26, 2012 at 4:04 pm | case studies | No comment

Rachel Ciechanowicz – Patient of Dr John Mantel (32 Whites Dental Care)

1. What was the reason for your dental phobia?

When I was about 10 I had 4 teeth out in one go. I didn’t know about the needles that they used to numb your mouth, so it was quite a shock when it happened. At this time it wasn’t explained to me exactly what was happening, during this procedure or any others, so I grew to dislike and fear it.

2. What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

I had, in great procrastination style, always thought in the back of my mind that I really needed to conquer this fear. I wish had done it earlier now, but I waited until I really needed treatment – in this case a crown! Then I had no choice, but I am so glad it happened.

3. What made you choose the dentist / clinic that you did?

They were very professional and quick to respond to my requests for information and appointments. I felt very reassured, and as there was no delay in my treatments and a continuity of care, I didn’t build up worries or concerns.

4. Describe your dental experience (from the initial contact, the first appointment, consultation and right through to the treatment including your feelings and anxieties throughout)?

I was extremely worried and anxious on my first visit, and this continued for a few appointments. Then I realised that each time I visited it was explained to me exactly what was happening, and what I needed to do and what I could expect. If there would be surprises, then I really didn’t need to worry, and now I have come to not have those feelings. I rationally know it’s going to fine, and to trust I can ask all the questions I need to.

5. How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I realised that if I can do something once, I can do it again. I made it through the first visit, and so there was nothing to worry about. I could do it again.

6. How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

I am aware I might start worrying sometimes, but I remember how far I have come and know how to make sure I get the right appointments for me, and ask any questions I need to.

7. Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

The best thing to do is to book the first appointment, and stick to it. That’s the worst thing you have to do, is wait for the first appointment, then once it’s out of the way, you can do it again no problem.

July 26, 2012 at 9:56 am | case studies | No comment

Marilyn Emes – Patient of Dr Richard Colebourne (Evesham Dental Health Team)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

I remember one experience many years ago as a child, being told by the dentist to pull myself together or he wouldn’t do anything for me. The final bad experience that I had, at the age of 17, was when I had to have a wisdom tooth extracted. The dentist was not able to get me numb despite firing in injection after injection. Nothing seemed to numb the pain and in the end I pulled the drill out of my mouth. He warned me if I didn’t behave I would end up cutting my face open and this filled me with such fear that I’ve never really forgotten it.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

After that awful experience I stopped going to the dentist, and even endured the pain of an abscess.  I did lose that tooth in the end though but really I am so lucky that I still have the rest of my teeth despite avoiding the dentist for 20 years! It seemed that every time I would go to the dentist with a problem, it resulted in another bad experience or I would end up leaving just as the treatment was about to begin. I even tried having hypnotherapy. I would go along to the dentist, be hypnotised and about to undergo the treatment and I would realise it hadn’t worked and I’d go. I then came across sedation, a dentist I knew from school offered it at his practice so I went to see him. I also felt as though it was easier to speak to him more as I knew him. He had a GP that came into the surgery to administer the sedative but after a time he stopped offering the service due to a change in circumstances. I began looking for somewhere else that offered it and I came across an EDHT advertisement which said that they could help people like me.

What made you choose the practice/clinic you did?

I sent my husband along to try it first and find out all the information. He came back saying it was just the place for me so then I then came along and now you will have me forever more! It’s been an absolute godsend!

Describe your dental experience

It has been incredible. Nobody gets cross with me for being jumpy – I am a challenge but everyone has been wonderful, even the hygienists. Last time I came they gave me something to numb my gums which really worked. It has made me feel a bit more confident and don’t sit there worrying. I am more relaxed and it seems to get easier each time I come – I used to be all of a quiver. I still don’t like it but I’ve got fabulous teeth now – they’re all white with no big black blobs anymore. It’s made such a difference, it’s good!

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I think it is a case of mind over matter. I simply just didn’t see myself wearing false teeth. I had a brace as a girl, one of the ones that fitted in the roof of my mouth, and I didn’t get on with it. So I decided that I had to do something if I wanted to keep my teeth. I can now smile and feel proud that they’re mine. I am so chuffed. I have also always tried not to pass my fear on to my daughter.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

My phobia is still there but I now know that it’s something I can overcome. I am always surprised how quick it goes when I am sedated, I come around and realise it’s all over already. Without the sedation I could never do it.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

Come to EDHT or find somebody else who is patient enough to talk you through treatment and offer sedation. I thoroughly recommend sedation to anybody who’s got a phobia – they don’t need to be phobic with that available. I’m proof that it can be done – here I am at my age and I have lovely teeth. It is incredible to think that I went for 20 years without going to the dentist. If I had to EDHT sooner I would not have lost my tooth. The care is brilliant for which I am really thankful for. All the staff seem to love their jobs and they are all wonderful. Thank you to everybody.

Evesham Dental Health Team – 16 Broadway Road, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 1BG, Web: www.eveshamdental.co.uk, Tel:01386 422 833

July 26, 2012 at 9:21 am | case studies | No comment

Phil Martin – Patient of Dr Munther Sulieman (Merton Dental Centre)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

My main fear of the dentist stems from when I was younger  my dad was diagnosed and subsequently died of leukaemia which he had battled for over two years during which time he  was subjected to many needles, it is this association that has left me with a fear of needles and not so much the dentist himself.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

I had tried to make  contact with several dentist’s with regards to my phobia over several years, and most refused to treat me without using needles and were generally uninterested, however due to the deteriorating state of my teeth and knowing that I needed several fillings I searched further afield on the internet and now travel across London to Merton Dental.

What made you choose the practice/clinic you did?

I chose my current dental practice (Merton Dental) based on the fact that they offered laser dentistry not knowing the full extent of damage to my teeth and in the hope that they would be able to use laser dentistry in my dental care instead of the more conventional needle to numb the gum and then drill out the tooth.

Describe your dental experience

My dental care has been excellent at Merton Dental from the friendliness of the staff to the high level of equipment and cleanliness. My initial consultation was very good and all issues and options were discussed. The pace of the work has been tailored for my need and has supported me in receiving treatment without a fear of attending the dentist. I currently no longer have any  anxieties over visiting the dentist.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I managed to overcome my fear due to the fact that I know that Dr Sulieman has a good understanding of the root cause of my fear of visiting the dentist and actively takes steps to put my mind at rest and tailor my dental treatment to my need’s.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

I feel very positive about my dentist and know that my teeth and dental hygiene is in good hands.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

Having been to many dentists I would have no problems in recommending Merton Dental and Dr Sulieman to anybody that has a fear of dentists or even just parts of the dental treatment (I.E Needles) and take this opportunity to thank him for his  his help in overcoming my dental phobia.  I hope that if there is a need for needles to be used in the future with my regained confidence and the support of the staff this could be achieved.

Merton Dental Centre – 134 Kingston Road, Merton Park, London, SW19 1LY, Web: www.laser-dentistry.co.uk, Tel: 020 8544 1122

May 10, 2012 at 9:15 am | case studies | No comment

Jenny Hill – Patient of Dr David Rudin (The Arnold Dental Centre)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

I believe that my dental phobia arose from an experience when I was a child.  I went to the dentist and can remember being held down in the chair whilst the gas mask was placed over my mouth.  I can remember seeing the dentist and nurse leaning over me and then waking up.  At approximately sixteen years of age I went back to a dentist and had a panic attack – after these experiences I did not visit a dentist again until I was twenty four years old.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

My first step in approaching the dentist despite my phobia was because I had a tooth which had deteriorated to such a state there was barely any tooth visible.  The tooth was very painful.

What made you choose the practice/clinic you did?

When a new friend became aware of my fear of dentists she recommended her own dentist which was your practice.  She herself had been scared of dentists until she had visited your practice.  She said the dentist practice had been  supportive of her as she had been afraid of the dentists.

Describe your dental experience

My anxiety regarding visiting the dentist would begin as soon as I made the appointment.  The evening before I would be worried and would think of things which could result in my non attendance for an appointment.  Prior to me visiting the Kirkby/Arnold practice I had walked out of a dentist rather than have treatment.  I would describe my feelings as being terrified!  In respect of the treatment –  I am afraid of needles, the sight of blood, sounds of the drilling, not being in control of what is taking place.  I have been so anxious that I feared I would faint.  I have felt panic stricken to the extent of wanting to get out of the dentist chair whether the treatment was completed or not!

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I managed to overcome my dental phobia through the patience of the my personal dentist who has been very patient with me, understanding my fear and talking me through any treatment.  I have been made to feel that it is ‘OK to be anxious’ and have been supported throughout any dental procedure.  I have been encouraged to use my relaxation tape and on occasion when I have forgotten this my dentist has provided me with a relaxation tape.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

I am still a little apprehensive about tooth extractions but am much more relaxed in respect of having fillings, crowns etc.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

My advice is not to avoid the dentist no matter how fearful you are. I felt stupid initially explaining how fearful I was of the dentist, but it was the best thing I have done! I would strongly advise speaking to your dentist and sharing your fears so they can help you through the process.

The Arnold Dental Centre – 77c High Street, Nottingham, NG5 7DJ, Web: www.thearnoldcentre.co.uk, Tel: 0115 920 0571

August 25, 2011 at 12:21 pm | case studies | No comment

Kate Howey – Patient of Dr Leila Johnson (Causeway Dental Practice)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

I went to the dentist at the age of about 9yrs to have a tooth removed and ended up being pinned down by my mother, the nurse and the dentist had my head trapped between his legs to keep me still. At that age all I could hear was the cracking of the tooth not actually any pain. This experience has made me nervous of the dentist.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

For my job I need to have a check up and get a form signed to enable me to travel with the team

What made you choose the practice/clinic you did?

I heard from a friend that Ms johnson was very nice and gentle and puts patients at ease.

Describe your dental experience.

The receptionist was very helpful and found me a date and time to suit. My check up was very straight forward and I was given a thorough check up and x rays. During this process the Ms Johnson was very nice and explained every step of the way what was happening.

I was then booked in for another appointment and on my return I had 4 fillings and two injections….. these did not hurt and although I was scared Ms Johnson reassured me at all times. Although I had treatment it was a good experience for me. I was in the chair for an hour and not once did I want to get up and run out as I did in the past.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

I think by having a dentist that explains everything and put me at ease.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

I don’t think that i really have one anymore after my last experience, I don’t mind going again.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

Ask for an explanation of what exactly is going to happen and what you should feel and how long it will take.

Causeway Dental Practice – 23 Causeway, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6AN, Web: www.causewaydentalpractice.co.uk,Tel: 01869 252 394

July 19, 2011 at 11:22 am | case studies | No comment

Olly Watts – Patient of Dr Kalpesh Bohara (The Dental Suite)

What was the reason for your dental phobia?

Bad experience at younger age.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

Needed work doing and felt it was about time to see a dentist.

What made you choose the practice/clinic you did?

After extensive research online and forum chats with professionals, including Dr. Kalpesh Bohara, I found the Dental Suite to be one of the leading practices dealing with nervous patients.

Describe your dental experience.

First appointment was a welcoming review by Dr. Bohara at the Leicester practice, where he talked me through the work I would need.

As soon as the following week work was started, it was helpful to have everything fully explained. I felt less and less nervous with each appointment.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

Support from both staff at the Dental Suite and family. Also, having procedures explained was very helpful.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

It is becoming less of a problem.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

Just bite the bullet and take the first step. It gets easier from there if you pick the right dentist.

The Dental Suite – 36 Frederick Street, Loughborough, Leicester, LE11 3BJ.  Web: www.dental-suite.co.uk, Tel: 01509 231 144

March 15, 2011 at 12:52 pm | case studies | No comment

Linda – Patient of Dr Yasmin George (The Courtyard Clinic)

linWhat was the reason for your dental phobia?

My dental phobia was built over a number of years and different dentists, from childhood I had pain from a brace to too many teeth in my mouth! with some form of treatment from which I only remember the pain. Over the last
few years I have also developed a fear of needles as well so it became easier to live with the toothache than to do something about it.

What made you decide to take the first step in contacting a dentist despite your phobia?

I decided to make a complete change in that, I had gone to dentists if I had some much pain I couldn’t stand it, to trying to find a dentist with a long term vision for me and I felt comfortable with.

What made you choose the dentist / clinic that you did?

I looked for a dentist with experience of dealing with nervous patients and Yasmin’s clinic ticked all of my boxes.

Describe your dental experience

My experience with the Courtyard Clinic has been one of care, excellent customer focus, professionalism and empowerment. Yasmin and her team, Sue and Alison, answered all of my questions and picked up my body language when I became uncomfortable at any point of my treatment. My anxiety has very much been conquered and my fear of needles has also faded.

How did you manage to overcome your dental phobia?

Firstly I had to acknowledge that I had a problem, then look for the right help and be guided by Yasmin and her team if I had any ongoing concerns or worries.

How do you currently feel about your dental phobia?

I feel that I now have a very good team of professionals that I know will look after me and continue to always listen.

Any other comments or words of advice to people out there who are suffering from dental phobia and are avoiding the dentist?

I think, to this question, everybody is different and their fears are made from different experiences, I have gone from a large amount of remedial fixing under sedation to a level of comfort to take the next steps without sedation in just 4 months. I would highly recommend Yasmin as, not only one of the nicest individuals I have ever met, but also one of the most professional and knowledgeable dentist I feel I could have to look after me.

November 5, 2009 at 4:21 pm | case studies | No comment

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