It is not unusual to be nervous or even fearful of the dentist. The most important first step is to find a practice that understands and has been recommended by other patients. The practice website should have testimonials from patients who have completed treatment and from reading those you can get an idea of what to expect. The most difficult appointment for a nervous patient is the first one so it is very useful to have the opportunity to visit the practice to meet the staff and get a feel for the atmosphere, before you book an appointment with the dentist. As a dental practice that had treated very nervous patients for over 50 years, at Waterside Dental Care we have considerable experience in helping patients to receive the necessary treatment to help to restore the health of their mouth or the appearance of their smile. We understand that the fear can be irrational but can arise from a previous bad experience, often as a child, or it can be passed down from parents. We understand the depth and reality of our patients’ concerns and have developed many routines to help. Our first step would be to identify if any treatment is needed, and if so what option the patient wishes to pursue. Then with the patient we decide on how to help them to receive the treatment. The team at Waterside Dental Care  can offer sedation, which produces a state of deep relaxation whilst any treatment is carried out, and helps most patients over their fear or whilst more difficult procedures are carried out. If a patient prefers not to have sedation they can be reassured that we take the time and employ many methods to make the visit comfortable. We always freeze the area around the tooth to be treated using a flavoured gel and our patients are given a choice of flavour. We import these gels from America and our current flavour choices are mint, strawberry, caramel, pina colada or tutti-truiti. While the gel is working, we then offer a choice of DVD to watch; we have compiled a large choice covering comedies, drama and documentaries such as the Blue Planet. The programme is watched using video glasses that go over the protective glasses coving the eye. Should a patient prefer to have their eyes closed we have music and podcasts available on an I-Pod. It is not unusual for a patient to become so relaxed that they fall asleep during the treatment – which for us is the biggest compliment we can receive! It is very rewarding to see the change in the patients who have managed to accomplish more than they ever thought possible and find that within a short period of time their confidence increases so that they look forward to visiting us for their dental care and feel motivated to maintain their dental health.