New patients
Nervous about the dentist?
If you've been putting it off for years, or the thought of an appointment makes your stomach turn, you are in very good company. This page explains exactly what happens if you come in, so there are no unknowns left to worry about.
There is no judgement here about how long it has been.
What actually happens when you come in
Most dental fear is fear of the unknown, so here is the whole thing, start to finish.
- 01
We talk first, before anything else
You stay sitting up, fully clothed, with no instruments out. You tell me what you're worried about and what's happened before. If you'd rather write it down than say it out loud, that's fine too.
- 02
A look, only when you're ready
When you say so, I have a look. I talk you through what I'm doing as I go, so nothing happens without you knowing about it first.
- 03
I tell you what I found, plainly
No jargon, no lecture about what should have happened sooner. Just what's there, what matters now, and what can safely wait.
- 04
You decide what happens next
Including nothing at all today. You'll have a clear written quote before any treatment, and you can go away and think about it.
You are the one in control
The thing most people are frightened of is being trapped: stuck in the chair while something happens to them that they cannot stop. So that part is not left vague here.
Raise your hand and I stop. Not at the end of what I am doing. Straight away.
We can pause for a minute, or stop for the day and rebook. You will not be talked into pushing on, and nobody will be exasperated with you for asking.
Things that can make it easier
Use as many or as few of these as you want to. None of them are a big deal to arrange.
Happy gas
Breathed through a small mask, it takes the edge off within minutes and wears off quickly afterwards, so you can usually drive yourself home.
Oral sedation
A tablet taken before your appointment for deeper relaxation. You'll need someone to drive you. See sedation dentistry.
Breaking it into steps
If a full appointment feels like too much, we split it up. Shorter visits, one thing at a time, for as long as you need to work that way.
Bringing someone with you
A partner, parent or friend is welcome to come in and stay with you throughout. For a lot of people this helps more than anything clinical.
What to say when you book
You do not have to explain yourself or justify the gap. One sentence is plenty:
“I'd like to see Dr Justin Lee. I'm a nervous patient, and it has been a while.”
That is enough for reception to book you a longer appointment and flag it for me before you arrive. You can book online and add it in the notes, or say it over the phone.
Come in for a look and a chat. That's all.
You do not have to commit to any treatment to make the first appointment. Book a visit that is just a conversation, meet me, see the room, and decide afterwards whether you want to go further. Whenever you're ready.