Gentle Dental Care
Patients who are nervous about going the dentist or who have had a bad experience at the dentist in the past are very welcome at Park Road Dental Care.
We’ve designed our practice for people who don’t like the dentist – We take things slowly, explain clearly, and help you stay in control.
Park Road Dental Care Average Rating ★★★★★
We’re used to supporting nervous and anxious patients.
You’re not alone
Dental anxiety is very common. Most people feel at least a little uneasy before an appointment, and many feel anxiety or fear about the dentist and dental treatment. It’s not uncommon for dental anxiety to prevent nervous patients from attending the dentist for years.
Feeling nervous about the dentist is completely understandable, and it’s something we can help you manage and maybe even overcome.
Why people feel nervous about the dentist
Everyone’s reasons are different, but common worries include:
- A previous bad experience
- Fear of pain or discomfort
- Fear of needles and injections
- Worries about being judged or feeling embarrassed
- Sensory triggers such as sounds, smells or bright lights
- Feeling a loss of control in the chair
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re exactly the kind of patient we’re very happy to help.
How we support nervous and anxious patients
Our approach is simple:
- Listen
- Go at your pace
- Offer the support and guidance you need
We start with a conversation
Before anything else, we’ll take time to understand anything that worries you about the dentist and what we could do that might help you feel more comfortable.
Clear explanations
We’ll explain everything we do you so know what to expect with no surprises to help you feel in control.
You stay in control
You can put your hand up if you would like to pause or stop for a break at any time, so you won’t feel trapped or rushed.
Calm, unhurried care
Appointments are never rushed. We work steadily, gently, and confidently.
A preventative, honest approach
We focus on maintaining oral and dental health to help avoiding invasive treatment wherever possible. If any treatment is needed, we’ll explain all the options openly and honestly.
Extra support
Additional caring steps can be helpful for some patients – such as use of gentle numbing gels before treatment and injections.
Needle phobia (fear of injections)
Many people who feel anxious about dental treatment are worried specifically about injections in their mouth. For some, this fear is mild; for others, it can be overwhelming and may have stopped them seeing a dentist altogether.
We approach needle phobias with understanding, support and care.
How we help:
- We can talk through what to expect in advance
- We can plan treatment around your needs
- We can use numbing gel to reduce sensation
- We can keep injections out of sight if this helps
- There are a few other tricks we can try that help some patients overcome or manage their phobia
- You remain in control at all times and can ask us to pause or stop
If injections are a particular concern for you, letting us know can make a big difference. We’ll adapt our approach to suit you.
What your first visit will be like
Your first appointment is designed to be reassuring and not overwhelming.
Typically, it involves:
- A friendly welcome and a chat about any concerns or worries
- Clarification of any relevant medical issues you have
- A gentle examination, only if you’re comfortable
- Clear explanation of any dental issues and treatment options
- Forming a plan together – with no pressure to proceed
Many nervous patients are relieved to find that the first visit is simply a conversation and an assessment.
If anxiety has stopped you seeing a dentist
Some people haven’t seen a dentist for many years because of anxiety or fear. We’re here to help you without judgement or telling off.
Our focus is on helping you move forward, starting from where you are now. Even taking the first step of getting in touch is an achievement.
What our patients say
Park Road Dental Care Average Rating ★★★★★
“I am a very nervous patient, was shaking like a leaf and straight away Leanne put me at ease. The dentist that did my treatment today is called David. He was so calm, talked me through my options and then every step of the way of my procedure (I attended with a painful tooth with a hole after not seeing a dentist for years due to my fear of them).
I cannot speak highly enough of this dental practice. I am going to join one of their dental plans once I recover my this episode!”
“Park Road Dental Care is totally fantastic. My 10-year-old daughter had developed a fear of needles after a negative experience at A&E two years ago, and understandably the procedure couldn’t go ahead straight away. David and Leanne were absolutely brilliant with her. They took the time to work with her, help her reframe that past experience, and build her confidence in a calm, caring way. Twenty minutes later, we left with the procedure completed and my daughter feeling so much more confident as a result of that win. Absolutely fantastic — well done, and thank you 🙏”
Ryan PSource:“Outstanding experience from start to finish. The care and professionalism were exceptional, and the cleaning was gentle and thorough. David is a exceptionally wonderful Dentist. Park Road Dental Care has such a calm, welcoming, and friendly atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The nurse Leanne, whose warm smile and experience make a great first impression. As someone who feels quite anxious about dental appointments, I really appreciated how David took the time to explain everything About scale, and polish and brushing techniques. I left feeling genuinely well cared . Highly recommend Park Road Dental Care to anyone, especially nervous patients. Looking forward to returning in 6 months!”
Sanjeev ASource:“I was anxious about my appointment after previous experiences elsewhere, but i was made to feel so welcome and comfortable at Park Road.
My initial appointment was clear and informative to make a care plan for treatment, and at subsequent appointments I felt very at ease at all points. And I'm delighted with the results!
Thank you to Leanne and Dr David 😀”
“Thank you David and Leanne, was nervous about coming in due to a terrible experience elsewhere but David and Leanne were great, David put me at ease and added a filling and straightened out multiple problems. I’m relieved and happy with the outcome and feel like a weight has been lifted. Highly recommended.”
PaddySource:“A brilliant experience taking my very nervous daughter. The whole team were very patient and described everything they were doing. Strongly recommend”
Hazel FSource:“I have always had a fear of dentists. Every time I have had work done it’s been a bad experience, painful and not at all an enjoyable experience. Park Road Dental completely superseded my expectations. They were quick, friendly and very delicate with my teeth. I had fillings and I experienced no pain at all. Very knowledgeable and welcoming. 5 stars for how they handled a wuss like myself. I went in terrified and came out very surprised. They have done teeth cleaning very well previously and fillings for me this time which was actually done so well I was able to relax in the chair throughout the whole thing! They have great availability and fair pricing which is what led me to them originally and the lady on reception is very friendly and comforting!”
True TSource:“Really impressed with the team here at Park Road Dental after my visit today! I booked in for an emergency appointment at short notice and saw Dr David Burton & Leanne. They took the time to listen to my dental history, discuss my concerns, and develop a treatment plan that met my expectations, all while addressing the issue I had attended with. Throughout the procedure, Dr Burton explained everything clearly, including what I might experience, which helped me feel comfortable and reassured. His calm and professional manner throughout the procedure really helped put me at ease.
I will definitely return in the future and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the practice to friends and family!”
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A large number of adults feel nervous or anxious about dental visits, even if they attend regularly.
You are always in control. We can stop at any point, take a break, or reschedule if needed.
No. You can share as much or as little as you like. We’re happy to talk things through gently at your pace.
We regularly see and help patients with severe anxiety. If additional support is needed, we’ll discuss this openly and honestly.
You’re not alone – this is a very common concern. Let us know, and we’ll take extra care to explain what’s involved, minimise discomfort, and go at a pace you’re comfortable with.
Related support
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Autism / ASD-friendly dentistry – for patients who prefer a predictable, sensory-aware approach
- Children’s dentistry – gentle care for younger patients and families
- New patients – what to expect at your first appointment