A Calmer Approach to Dentistry

How Stoke Lane Dentistry is changing the experience for nervous patients: An interview with Dr Armineh Arzandeh, Principal Dentist at Stoke Lane Dentistry, Bristol

For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist can bring feelings of anxiety, fear or even panic. For some, previous experiences, a fear of needles, a strong gag reflex or concerns about treatment can become a significant barrier to looking after their oral health.

At Stoke Lane Dentistry, we believe that exceptional dentistry starts with understanding the person behind the patient. With a highly qualified team, modern facilities and a strong focus on prevention, dental wellness and anxiety management, the practice is creating a more comfortable way for patients across Bristol to access high-quality dental care.

We sat down with Armineh, Specialist in Endodontics and Principal Dentist at Stoke Lane Dentistry, to discuss dental anxiety, sedation and how the practice is helping nervous patients feel more confident about their dental care.

Dental anxiety is very common. Why do you think so many people feel nervous about visiting the dentist?

Dental anxiety is much more common than people realise. It can come from a previous difficult experience, fear of pain or needles, embarrassment about the condition of their teeth, or simply not knowing what to expect.

For some patients, anxiety can become so significant that they avoid dental appointments altogether. Unfortunately, delaying care can sometimes allow relatively small problems to develop into more complex ones.

Our approach is to take the time to listen. We don’t believe patients should feel rushed or judged. Understanding what makes someone anxious allows us to build a treatment experience around their individual needs.

What can patients do if they are nervous but still want to have dental treatment?

There isn’t one solution that works for everyone. Anxiety management starts with communication.

We can take things slowly, explain procedures clearly and agree signals with patients so they feel in control. Sometimes simply knowing what is going to happen and having the opportunity to stop or take a break can make a huge difference.

For patients with more significant anxiety, sedation can be an important part of their care plan.

The aim isn’t simply to “get through” dental treatment. We want patients to have a positive experience that can help them feel more comfortable about returning for future appointments.

What is inhalation sedation and who can benefit from it?

One of our exciting new services at Stoke Lane Dentistry is inhalation sedation, providing another option for patients who find dental treatment particularly challenging.

Inhalation sedation is sometimes known as “happy air”. The patient breathes a carefully controlled mixture through a small nosepiece. It can help patients feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment while remaining conscious and able to communicate with the dental team.

We are particularly pleased to offer inhalation sedation for children who are anxious about dental treatment, helping them develop a more positive relationship with dentistry from an early age.

It can also be suitable for needle-phobic adults and selected patients who have additional or complex needs, following an appropriate assessment.

Why is early anxiety management particularly important for children?

A child’s early experiences of dentistry can influence how they feel about dental care for many years.

Our goal is to make children’s appointments as positive, calm and predictable as possible. We use age-appropriate communication and take time to help children become familiar with the dental environment.

For children who are particularly nervous or who may struggle with treatment, inhalation sedation can provide an additional level of support when clinically appropriate.

We want children to grow up understanding that looking after their teeth is simply part of looking after their overall health — rather than something to be feared.

What about adults who are extremely anxious or afraid of needles?

For adults, we offer a range of approaches depending on the individual’s needs.

For some patients, inhalation sedation may be appropriate. For others, particularly those who are not needle-phobic, intravenous (IV) sedation is available.

IV sedation is administered by a suitably trained clinician and can create a deeply relaxed state while the patient remains responsive to the dental team. It can be particularly helpful for adults who have previously avoided dental treatment because of anxiety.

Every patient is assessed before sedation is recommended, and safety is always at the centre of the process.

Does sedation mean that patients are asleep?

Sedation is designed to help patients feel relaxed and less anxious; it is not the same as a general anaesthetic.

Depending on the type and level of sedation, patients remain conscious and can communicate with the dental team. The exact experience varies from person to person, which is why careful assessment and personalised treatment planning are so important.

Our team of sedation-trained specialist dentists and nurses, support the practice’s commitment to safe, high-quality patient care.

How does Stoke Lane Dentistry approach nervous patients differently?

We believe anxiety management should be part of the whole patient journey, rather than something considered only when sedation is required.

That means creating a welcoming environment, listening carefully to concerns, explaining treatment in understandable language and giving patients time to make decisions.

Our practice is also equipped to provide a broad range of dental care, supported by a highly qualified multidisciplinary team.

What does “dental wellness” mean at Stoke Lane Dentistry?

For us, dental wellness is about looking beyond simply treating a problem when it occurs.

Good oral health is something we want to help patients maintain throughout their lives.

Regular examinations, professional hygiene care, prevention and early diagnosis can all play an important role. When treatment is required, we aim to provide high-quality, carefully planned dentistry that considers not only the immediate problem but the long-term health and function of the mouth.

We also recognise that oral health can affect a person’s confidence. Helping patients feel comfortable smiling, eating and speaking can make a positive contribution to their overall wellbeing.

What would you say to someone in Bristol who has avoided the dentist because of fear?

Don’t feel embarrassed, and don’t feel that you have to face it alone.

We see patients with all levels of dental anxiety, and there is no judgement.

You can tell us what you are worried about before your appointment, and we can discuss the options available to you. Sometimes the first step is simply coming in for a conversation and meeting the team.

What else does Stoke Lane Dentistry offer?

We welcome referrals from general dentists, as well as self-referrals, for a broad range of specialist treatments, including, but not limited to: