Dental anxiety
Afraid of the dentist? We take the time you need
Fear of the dentist is more common than many people realise. Perhaps you have postponed a dental check-up for a long time, had an unpleasant experience in the past or start to feel anxious as soon as you think about visiting the dentist.
At Mondzorgcentrum Maashorst in Uden, we understand that visiting the dentist can feel like a big step for some patients. That is why we take the time to listen to your concerns and explain clearly what we are doing. There is no need to rush, and you can always let us know if something feels uncomfortable or makes you anxious.
Our aim is to help you feel as safe, comfortable and confident as possible during your visit.
I have not been to the dentist for years. What should I do?
If you have not visited a dentist for several years, making a new appointment can feel difficult. You may be worried about what we might find, possible treatments or the costs involved.
However, your first appointment does not have to involve extensive treatment straight away. We can begin by calmly assessing your teeth and oral health and discussing whether any dental care is needed.
Together, we will create a clear overview of your situation and explain the available options. If treatment is needed, it can often be planned step by step.
No matter how long it has been since your last dental visit, you are welcome to start looking after your oral health again.
Should I feel embarrassed about my teeth?
No. There is no need to feel embarrassed about the condition of your teeth.
There are many reasons why someone may not have visited a dentist for a long time. Dental anxiety, a previous unpleasant experience, health issues, financial circumstances or simply postponing appointments can all play a role.
We are not here to judge you. We look at your oral health as it is today and discuss what can be done to improve it.
The most important step is simply making an appointment.
Can I visit the practice first to get to know you?
Yes. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, it can be helpful to start with a calm introduction and discuss your concerns.
When making your appointment, you can let us know that you feel nervous or afraid. This allows us to take your dental anxiety into account from the very beginning.
During your first visit, we can discuss where your fear comes from, what you find difficult and what may help you during treatment. For some patients, a calm conversation and clear explanation can already make them feel much more confident.
Do you explain what will happen beforehand?
Yes. We believe it is important that you know what to expect.
Before an examination or treatment, we explain what we are going to do and why it is necessary. If you prefer, we can also explain each step while the treatment is taking place.
Some patients like to know exactly what the dentist is doing, while others prefer to hear only the most important information. You can tell us what feels most comfortable for you.
Can the treatment be paused?
Yes. If you need a break during treatment, you can always let us know.
Before starting, we can agree on a clear stop signal together. When you give this signal, the dentist will stop so that you can relax for a moment or ask a question.
Knowing that you remain in control can help reduce dental anxiety.
What happens during my first appointment?
During your first appointment, we take the time to get to know you.
You can tell us what you are afraid of and whether you have had unpleasant dental experiences in the past. We can then examine your teeth and oral health, as far as you feel comfortable with this.
If additional examination is needed, we will discuss this with you first. Afterwards, we explain what we have found and whether any dental treatment may be necessary.
A first appointment does not automatically mean that extensive treatment will be carried out immediately. Together, we decide what the most suitable next step is for you.
Can I tell you that I am afraid of the dentist?
Absolutely. We actually recommend letting us know when you make your appointment.
The better we understand what makes you anxious, the better we can take this into account.
You may be afraid of:
- pain;
- local anaesthetic or injections;
- the sound of dental equipment;
- gagging;
- feeling like you are not in control;
- an unpleasant experience from the past;
- receiving bad news about your teeth;
- feeling embarrassed about your teeth.
You do not need to explain your fear in detail. Simply telling us that you feel nervous is enough for us to take extra care.
How do you help children who are afraid of the dentist?
Children can also find dental visits frightening. We therefore try to help children become familiar with the dentist and the dental practice gradually and at their own pace.
We explain what we are doing in a child-friendly way and adapt the pace of the appointment to the child. Sometimes, a first visit may simply involve meeting the dentist, sitting in the dental chair or allowing the dentist to take a quick look inside the mouth.
By building up dental visits in a positive way, children can gradually gain more confidence.
If your child has had an unpleasant experience in the past or is very afraid of the dentist, please let us know beforehand so that we can take extra care during the appointment.
Does dental treatment hurt?
We try to make every dental treatment as comfortable as possible.
If a treatment may be sensitive, local anaesthetic can be used. Before starting, we explain what you can expect and you can tell us about anything you are worried about.
If you are particularly afraid of the anaesthetic or injections themselves, please let us know. We can take this into account as well.
During treatment, you can always tell us if you feel something or if you would like us to stop for a moment.
What if I panic during treatment?
If you notice that your anxiety is increasing, please let us know immediately.
We can pause the treatment and give you time to feel calmer again. There is no need to continue treatment at all costs if you do not feel comfortable at that moment.
By making clear agreements beforehand about communication and using a stop signal, we try to help you maintain a sense of control throughout your treatment.
Can dental treatments be carried out step by step?
When your dental situation allows it, treatments can often be divided over several appointments.
This may be helpful if you need several dental treatments or if longer appointments feel too overwhelming.
Together, we discuss what is medically appropriate and practical, and which approach helps you feel most confident.
What if I am afraid of receiving bad news?
Some people postpone visiting the dentist because they are worried that a lot of dental treatment may be needed.
It is understandable that this uncertainty can cause anxiety. However, an examination often provides clarity.
After examining your teeth, we calmly explain what we have found. If treatment is needed, we discuss which problems should be addressed first, what options are available and which steps can be taken.
You do not have to decide everything at once.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
If you feel more comfortable having someone accompany you, you can discuss this when making your appointment.
For some patients, it helps to have a partner, family member or another trusted person present during the first conversation.
Together, we can discuss what is practical and comfortable during your appointment.
How long does an appointment take for patients with dental anxiety?
The length of your appointment depends on your individual situation and what needs to be done during the visit.
If you feel very anxious, it can sometimes be helpful to use the first appointment mainly for getting to know each other, examining your teeth and providing clear information. Any treatment can then be arranged for a later appointment if necessary.
We try to allow enough time for questions and explanations so that you do not feel unnecessarily rushed.
How much does an appointment for an anxious patient cost?
The cost depends on the dental care provided during your appointment.
A first visit may include an examination and, if needed, additional diagnostic procedures. If treatment is required, we will explain the treatment plan and associated costs as clearly as possible.
Dental treatments in the Netherlands are subject to nationally regulated fees and maximum rates.
If you have additional dental insurance, part of the cost may be reimbursed depending on your policy.
Is dental care for anxious patients covered by health insurance?
For adults, routine dental care is generally not covered by Dutch basic health insurance. Additional dental insurance may reimburse some of the costs, depending on your policy.
Different reimbursement rules may apply in certain special situations.
If you would like to know exactly what your insurance covers, please check your policy conditions or contact your health insurer.
When should I make an appointment?
You do not need to wait until you have toothache.
If dental anxiety is causing you to keep postponing appointments, it may be a good idea to make an initial appointment. The earlier dental problems are identified, the greater the chance that treatment can remain limited.
Please contact us if you experience:
- persistent toothache;
- swelling;
- bleeding or painful gums;
- a broken tooth;
- a loose filling or crown;
- difficulty eating or chewing;
- any other changes in your mouth that concern you.
If you experience severe swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing problems, prompt medical assessment is necessary.
Can I visit Mondzorgcentrum Maashorst in Uden if I am afraid of the dentist?
Yes. At Mondzorgcentrum Maashorst, located at Bitswijk 32 in Uden, you are very welcome if you are afraid of the dentist.
We take dental anxiety seriously and first discuss what you are worried about. During examinations and treatments, we explain clearly what is happening and you can always let us know if you need a pause.
Even if you have not visited a dentist for many years, there is no need to feel embarrassed. Together, we assess your current oral health and calmly discuss what dental care may be needed.
Make an appointment with a dentist for anxious patients in Uden
Are you afraid of the dentist and does this cause you to keep postponing an appointment? Please feel free to contact Mondzorgcentrum Maashorst.
When making your appointment, let us know that you experience dental anxiety. This allows us to know in advance that extra time, calmness and clear explanations are important to you.
Mondzorgcentrum Maashorst
Bitswijk 32
5401 JB Uden
0413 - 287766
You do not need to overcome your fear before visiting the dentist. The first step can simply be getting to know us and discussing together what feels manageable for you.