Nervous about the dentist?

Why do people feel nervous about the dentist?

For some it's a bad experience years ago. For others it's the sounds, needles, feeling out of control, worry about pain, or embarrassment about how long it's been. Children often pick it up from stories they've heard. Whatever the cause, avoiding the dentist tends to make things harder: small problems grow, and treatment becomes bigger than it needed to be.

What happens at your first appointment?

1. Tell us before you arrive

   Mention it in the booking form or on the phone. We can plan your appointment so nobody is rushing.

2. We talk first

   Your dentist sits with you before anything else and asks what worries you, what's happened before and what would help.

3. You stay in control

   We agree a stop signal, such as raising your hand. We explain each step before we do it, and you can take a break whenever you need.

4. Nothing without your agreement

   If you need treatment, we explain the options and costs and you decide. It's fine to have a consultation only and come back for treatment another day.

Read more about your first visit, including what to bring and parking.

Will treatment hurt?

For fillings and most other treatment we use local anaesthetic to numb the area. We check it has worked before we start. If you feel anything during treatment, raise your hand and we'll stop and check. Some pressure or vibration is normal, and we'll tell you what to expect.

If you're in pain right now, don't let nerves hold you back. Same-day appointments are usually available: see emergency dentistry.

Can I have sedation?

Yes, though it is arranged rather than available on the day. A visiting registered specialist anaesthetist attends Y3 Smiles Dental on days we set aside for it, and provides either IV sedation, where you are drowsy and rousable, or a general anaesthetic, where you are asleep. Our dentists do the dental work; the anaesthetist looks after you. It is booked in advance, we ask you to commit before we organise it, and they charge their own fee separately from ours. There is no happy gas at the clinic.

We would still rather start with a conversation. Most people who ring asking to be put to sleep get through treatment awake once someone explains what is happening and stops when they ask. Sedation stays there if that is not enough. How sedation works at Y3 covers the two options, the preparation and the fees.

Can I come in for a chat before any treatment?

Yes. If your anxiety is severe, start with a free discovery session: a casual chat about your dental concerns with our patient coordinator. You can see the clinic, ask questions and talk through costs. It isn't a clinical appointment, so there's no examination and no treatment.

To book, use the booking form and write "free discovery session" in the message, or call (03) 9022 4442. When you're ready, you can book a consultation only, with no treatment on the day unless you want it.

The clinic is on ground level. Free, unmetered street parking right out the front on King William Street. We also have two parking bays directly behind the clinic: take the driveway off King William Street beside the clinic, then the lane behind the shops. Visitor and accessible parking is spread around the precinct too.

Who will look after me?

Principal dentist Dr Fatima Kurnaz has a particular interest in caring for anxious patients of all ages. Many of the nervous patients she sees are adults who have avoided the dentist for years. Before Y3 Smiles Dental she was Senior Dentist and Clinical Manager at the special needs dental clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital. You're welcome to bring a family member or support person with you.

If you'd feel more comfortable in your own language, our team speaks Turkish, Arabic and Bangla as well as English. Tell us when you book.

How can I help a nervous child?

• Start visits early, before there's a problem, so the dentist becomes familiar.
• Keep your language simple and positive, and avoid words like "hurt" or "needle".
• Let us explain things to your child. We tell them what we'll do, show them, then do it.
• Keep first visits short. A ride in the chair and a count of teeth is a good start.

See children's dentistry for more.