If you are a nervous patient, rest assured our Harley Street dentists will ensure your time with us is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Our owner, Dr. Adam Slade, is a dental phobia-certified dentist. This means he has been specifically trained to consider the unique needs of anxious patients who are visiting our clinic from London or further afield.

Dr. Slade and his team can employ a range of gentle techniques to ensure a more relaxing experience for those of you who need help overcoming your fears. Benefiting from their skills and understanding, you will leave our practice in a more positive state of mind post-treatment, which will help to dispel the effects of past traumas and promote faster and more effective healing.

What is dental phobia?

As the name suggests, dental phobia is the fear of visiting the dentist and/or undergoing dental treatment. Some patients with the condition are triggered by the tools used to carry out dental work, while others are fearful of the general dental environment and will struggle to set foot in a dental practice at all.

It’s thought that over 50% of patients in the UK are scared to book an appointment at their local clinic – and for nearly a fifth of patients (17%), this fear prevents them from getting essential work done.

How do you know if you suffer from dental phobia?

If you experience a great deal of apprehension before your dental appointment, it’s very likely that you suffer from a degree of dental phobia.
Physical symptoms vary in severity from patient to patient, but common signs of dental phobia include:

  • Sweating
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Shallow or difficult breathing
  • Fear of choking
  • Intense feelings of panic and anxiety
  • Low blood pressure and possible fainting
  • Sleepless nights prior to your appointment
  • A reluctance or refusal to seek dental treatment, even if the issue is persistent, painful, or a genuine emergency

What makes us the best dentists in London for nervous patients?

Even patients who have found visits to the dentist to be traumatising in the past can overcome their dental phobia – if they have access to the right help and support, of course.
The dentists at our practice in Harley Street are incredibly sympathetic to the requirements of anxious patients and have undergone extensive training in how to set even the most concerned individuals at ease when they visit our clinic in the heart of London’s West End.
As recommended by DentalPhobia.co.uk, we follow set protocols to ensure our services are suitable for nervous patients. When you visit us, we will:

  • Listen closely and actively to your needs and ensure your treatment programme is tailored to address any worries or concerns you may have
  • Give you as much time as you need to adjust to our clinic. There’s no need to jump into the chair right away; in fact, you may just want to have a look around our premises and get familiar with our staff during your first visit
  • Create a calm, soothing environment to help you feel at home, with plenty of distractions
  • Provide a range of painless dental treatment options, including digital scanning, wand anaesthesia, and sedation techniques
  • Be mindful of your fears and never pressure you into receiving treatment you don’t feel comfortable with

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves administering a moderate level of sedation to keep our nervous patients more comfortable during longer dental procedures. Technically, you will remain awake while you are sedated – but you will be less sensitive to pain and will be in a short-term state of amnesia throughout your procedure, so you will be unlikely to remember any events that would typically induce anxiety.
At Smile Architects, we favour ‘happy air’ sedation, which is achieved through inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. This sedation technique is notoriously safe, and its effects will usually wear off within 12 hours of your treatment. Our consultants will discuss any concerns or contraindications with you before you attend your appointment to ensure this sedation method is suitable for you.

I am writing this with immense gratitude and sense of relief, all thanks to Dr Slade and the exceptional care he provides. As a nervous patient, my fear of any dental treatment was paralyzing. I actually avoided much needed treatment for years. Dr Slade’s companionate and gentle approach helped me to conquer my dental phobia. His expertise, coupled with his genuine empathy created a safe atmosphere where I felt understood and supported throughout each visit. Dr Slade and his team have transformed my dental experiences entirely. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Slade to anyone seeking an extraordinary dentist who can help them overcome their fears.
-Toma V

Get expert support as a nervous patient. Call us on 020 7935 8553 or request an appointment with one of our dental phobia-certified dentists in Harley Street, West London.