Nervous patients
Whether you've had a difficult experience in the past, feel anxious about treatment or simply haven't visited a dentist for a while, our team will take time to listen, explain everything clearly and help you feel comfortable throughout your visit.
Hear from Dr Suzie Boulos
Dr Suzie Boulos explains how we help nervous patients feel more comfortable and why listening to your concerns is such an important part of your care.
What our nervous patients say
Many of our patients tell us they felt anxious before their first appointment. These are some of the experiences they have shared after visiting Triangle Dental.
“They worked my treatment around my anxiety”
“As a very nervous patient I was reluctant to see a dentist. Donna and her nurse were so patient, explained everything, talked to me about my anxiety and what frightened me the most and worked my treatment around this. Donna is so intuitive and professional.”
Simon Barlow
“She talked me through every step”
“Being a nervous patient, especially when it comes to injections because of childhood experiences, I was not looking forward to my appointment. Suzie put me at my ease straight away and talked me through every step of the procedure.”
Julie Turner
“I needn't have worried”
“Although I was apprehensive about having root canal treatment, it was my first treatment at this dental practice. I needn't have worried as Chris made the whole thing easier.”
Yasmin Wain
“Being treated there has been such a relief”
“Having always been anxious about going to the dentist due to bad past experiences, being treated there has been such a relief. Andrew always explains what he is doing clearly, listens if I have questions and ensures I am comfortable.”
Claire Myers
Know what to expect before you arrive
Knowing where you're going and what the practice looks like can make a first visit feel much more straightforward.
Finding us
We are conveniently located in the centre of Tilehurst village in Reading. If you're driving, the NCP car park in Dunstall Close (RG31 5AY) is opposite the practice. There is also up to two hours' free parking behind Costa and The Co-op (RG30 4TQ), or one-hour roadside parking in Corwen Road.
The number 17 and 33 bus stops are less than a minute's walk from the practice.
A warm welcome
Our reception team will welcome you when you arrive. If you feel nervous, please tell us when booking or when you arrive — knowing in advance helps us tailor your appointment and provide a little extra reassurance.
Take a moment
Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle before your appointment. If music, an audiobook or a podcast helps you relax, you're welcome to listen while you wait.
Your treatment room
Your dentist will meet you in one of our modern treatment rooms and talk things through with you before we begin. We will explain what is happening and take things at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Ways we can make your visit easier
Small things can make a big difference. Tell us what helps you feel comfortable and we can adapt your visit where possible.
Let us know you're nervous
Mentioning it when you book allows us to make a note for the team, give you extra time where possible and make sure your dentist knows how you're feeling before you arrive.
You stay in control
We explain what is happening before we begin and can agree a simple stop signal with you. You can ask us to pause at any point.
Bring someone you trust
If having a friend or family member with you would help you feel calmer, let our team know when booking and we can discuss the best way to support you.
Use music or headphones
Many patients find music, an audiobook or a podcast helpful during treatment. You're welcome to bring headphones, or ask us about playing music in the treatment room — your dentist will be happy to take requests through the room's system where available.
Try calm breathing
Slow, steady breathing can help reduce tension and give you something simple to focus on while you settle into your appointment.
No judgement
It doesn't matter how long it has been since your last visit or what condition your teeth are in. We are here to help you move forward, not make you feel embarrassed.
Your first appointment
Starting small can be a really positive way to rebuild confidence. A simple check-up, consultation or hygiene visit may be all you need to begin feeling more comfortable with dental care again.
Meet your dentist
We start by talking. There is no rush to get into the dental chair.
Tell us what worries you
You can tell us what you find difficult and what would help you feel safer and more comfortable.
Examination when you're ready
If you're comfortable, we can gently examine your teeth and explain what we find as we go.
Make a plan together
We explain your options clearly and you can decide what you would like to do next and when you feel ready.
Meet our caring team
Helping nervous patients feel comfortable is something our whole team takes seriously. From your first phone call through to your treatment, our reception, nursing and clinical teams work together to make your experience as calm and straightforward as possible.
Our dentists understand that trust takes time. We will listen, explain your options clearly and help you move forward at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Meet our full teamNervous patient FAQs
Some of the questions we are most often asked by patients who feel anxious about visiting the dentist.
What if I haven't been to the dentist for years?
That's fine. Many nervous patients come to us after avoiding dental care for a long time. We simply start from where you are now, assess your teeth when you're comfortable and explain your options without judgement.
I'm embarrassed about my teeth. Will you judge me?
No. Our job is to help you, not judge you. We see people with all kinds of dental problems, including patients who have found it difficult to seek care because of anxiety.
Can I ask you to stop during treatment?
Yes. You remain in control throughout your appointment. We can agree a simple stop signal before we begin and you can ask us to pause at any time.
Can I bring someone with me?
If having someone with you would help you feel more comfortable, please mention this when booking and our team can discuss what is possible for your appointment.
Can I wear headphones during treatment?
In many situations, yes. Some patients find music, audiobooks or podcasts very helpful. You can bring headphones, or ask us about playing music in the treatment room. Your dentist will make sure you can still hear any instructions they need to give you.
What if I'm scared of injections?
Fear of injections is very common. Tell us before treatment so we can explain what to expect, take our time and use techniques designed to make local anaesthetic as comfortable as possible.
Do you offer IV sedation?
We do not provide IV sedation at Triangle Dental. For some patients, your dentist may be able to prescribe anxiety-reducing medication, such as diazepam, to take shortly before a treatment appointment. If you are particularly anxious about treatment, talk to your dentist about whether this may be suitable for you.
What can I do before my appointment if I'm feeling anxious?
Let us know when you book, arrive a few minutes early so you do not feel rushed, and consider bringing someone you trust. Slow, steady breathing can also help you settle while you wait.
Take the first step when you're ready
Whether you start with a check-up, consultation or simply a conversation about what's worrying you, we'll help you move forward at a pace that feels right for you.