Dental fear is common - We will be there for you

Dental fear is very common: up to one in three Finns suffer from dental fear. These common and natural fears are often based on a previous, unpleasant experience. Horror stories from close friends and family can also fuel fears.

Sometimes it is just a general predisposition to fears. The background to the fear is not always clear, nor should it be!

Whatever the cause, fear is a real emotion that needs to be taken seriously.

At Mehiläinen, we are committed to identifying and treating dental fear, because we want to create a good experience for you - despite your fear.

Our dentists have a wide range of methods for treating patients with fear. Here are some of them:

1. Without hurry or haste. We always reserve enough time for the appointment.
2. Pain relief. Anesthesia is effective in relieving pain. Before the procedure, we check the effectiveness of the anaesthesia and ask about your feelings during the treatment. If you're nervous about the anaesthetic needle, we can anaesthetise the injection site with a brush-on gel on the mucous membrane.
3. Relaxation. We will advise you on breathing and imagining exercises that will help you calm down.
4. Information about the procedure. You can discuss the different treatment options with your dentist and agree on the methods and pace of the treatment. During your appointment, our dentist will keep you informed about the progress of the work throughout your visit.
5. A feeling of control. Agree with your dentist on a hand signal to take a break, for example. We will proceed one step at a time and at your pace.
6. Muting the noises. Listening to music helps to muffle loud noises and relaxes you. Bring your own headphones and put on your favourite song.
7. Pre-medication. The sedative medication given before the appointment helps many to relax.
8. Light general anaesthesia. When you have a more intense dental fear, sedation, a light general anaesthesia given by an anaesthesiologist, can be an option to relieve pain and provide a strong sedative while you remain awake during the procedure.
9. Dental treatment under general anaesthesia. If you have a particularly severe dental fear, dental treatment under general anaesthesia may be a suitable solution for you.

When you're experiencing dental fear, talking about it can help ease the fear. Talk openly about your fear; we will listen and take it into account in your treatment.

Tell us about your dental fear when you make an appointment or mention it at the beginning of your visit. We will take your dental fear seriously, and you'll always get help.

You can make an appointment through our online appointment booking system or by calling our customer service on 010 273 8000 (local network rate/mobile charge) (open Mon–Sun from 6 am to 10 pm).

Dental care is easier when you have a dentist you know and trust. A reassuring and trusting relationship develops over time. So make sure you choose the same dentist for your dental check-ups and dental care.

Choose your own trusted dentist from our team of dentists trained to deal with dental fear. They will help you with your fears and help you through every stage of your dental treatment:

1. The appointment always starts with a discussion.
2. We will agree with you on the procedures to be carried out and the fear relief you need.
3. We will keep you informed of the progress of the procedure.
4. We will ask you about your feelings during the treatment.
5. We will pause the treatment according to your wishes.
6. If necessary, the procedures can be performed under light general anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.

If the dental procedure you are facing feels overwhelming, dental treatment under general anaesthesia may be the solution. It's also a good option when your oral problems are piling up and you have a lot to deal with.

Dental treatment under general anaesthesia is a daily routine for us. We plan it carefully before the procedure. The anaesthesiologist will discuss with you in advance and assess whether general anesthesia is possible for you. You will also see your dentist before anesthesia.

You will be in safe hands throughout the procedure. Anaesthesiologist and nurse anaesthetist are present. Your dentist and dental nurse will take care of your teeth.

You'll be able to go home the very same day. Prepare to rest at home for the rest of the day.

Do you want more information about dental treatment under general anaesthesia? Please contact ajanvaraus@mehilainen.fi and we will tell you more or call our customer service on 010 273 8000 (local network rate/mobile charge) (open Mon–Sun 6am–10pm).

Bad dental fear sometimes creates a cycle of skipping dental check-ups and dental problems piling up.

We understand that because of the fear your mouth may have been left untreated for a long time. There's no need to be embarrassed - we won't judge if your teeth are in bad shape.

We want to help you achieve a healthy mouth, which is why we encourage regular dental check-ups. You'll avoid major procedures when problems are detected and treated early.

Painless, regular check-ups often take the edge off your fear and help you to gradually overcome your dental fear. You can't always eliminate fear, but you can manage it.

Fear patients are important to us, which is why we take special care of our fear patients. At your first visit, we will work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan.

We know that fear can make it difficult to make an appointment, so we will send you an invitation to your dental check-up at the right time.

Dental fear need not prevent you from receiving dental care even after your check-up because we take your fear into account in all procedures - whether the reason for your visit is:

• dental fillings and root canal treatment
• oral inflammation treatment
• correction of malocclusions by orthodontic treatment
• tooth extraction
• dental prosthesis fitting
• cosmetic dental care
• treatment of bruxism or grinding of teeth

The fear of going to the dentist may be so great that you will avoid it to the last. For many, these fears are rooted in childhood and adolescent experiences. What are the remedies to overcome this fear?

In this episode of the Afterwork podcast, Jenni Rotonen, Meri Milash and Petra Soikkeli discuss their own experiences and questions about the dentist visits and dental fear with a dentist from Hammas Mehiläinen.

Listen to the episode of the podcast: Fear and shame at the dentist's bench (in Finnish)