Nervous about the dentist?

Some people haven't been for years, some had a bad experience once, and some just don't like the sounds or the chair. Whatever the reason, there's no judgement here.

Putting off the dentist can mean small problems grow until they hurt. Coming in early, even just to talk, usually makes the next step easier.

• Tell us you're nervous when you book, online or on 01205 337 000, so your dentist knows before you arrive.
• We take the time to listen to your worries before anything starts.
• Your dentist explains each step before doing it, and you can ask questions at any point.
• We can agree a signal, such as raising your hand, so you can ask for a pause whenever you need one.
• You get your options and the price of each in writing, so there are no surprises.

"I'm scared of the needle." Your dentist can explain each part before they start. Most people feel a brief scratch, then numbness. Your dentist checks the area is fully numb before any treatment begins.

"I'm embarrassed about my teeth." Dentists see every kind of mouth. We're here to help, not to judge, and we'll start by simply seeing where things are.

"I gag easily." Tell us. We can take breaks and do things in short steps.

"I'm worried about the cost." Every fee is on our pricing page. Nothing is done until you've seen the price and agreed to it.

"I hate not knowing what's happening." Ask as many questions as you like. Your dentist will tell you what they're about to do, and how it may feel, before they do it.

• Book a time of day when you feel calmest, and leave plenty of time to get here.
• Have something light to eat beforehand, unless we've told you otherwise.
• Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth while you wait.
• Start small. A check-up first, with treatment booked for another day, gives you time to get used to us.

If you're very anxious, ask about sedation. It's available on request for £400 per hour. Your dentist will tell you whether it suits you and how it works before anything is booked.

Sedation isn't right for everyone. Your dentist will ask about your health and any medicines you take, explain what to expect on the day and afterwards, and tell you about any arrangements you'll need to make, such as having someone take you home.

1. Book a new patient exam, £25, and tell us you're nervous.
2. Your dentist talks with you first, then checks your teeth, gums and mouth.
3. We explain what we found and agree a plan together, at your pace.

If it's been a long time, you don't have to face everything at once. Most people start with a check-up, so your dentist can see where things are and talk you through it. If you need treatment, your dentist will suggest what to deal with first, often anything causing pain, and you can spread the rest over several visits at a pace that suits you.

Children often pick up worries from the adults around them. Talk about the dentist in a calm, everyday way, and tell us when you book if your child is anxious. Our children's page has more tips.

Your dentist talks you through whether sedation suits you and what it costs before your treatment is booked. “From” prices start at that amount and depend on your treatment. Your dentist will give you a written plan and price before any work starts. See all our prices.