- 020 8656 6959
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm. Saturdays by request only. Sunday: Closed.
Croydon Dental Practice · Anxious about the dentist?
If the thought of a dental visit makes you tense, you are far from alone. We take time to listen, explain each step and give you control over the pace of your appointment at our dentist in Croydon on Lower Addiscombe Road.
Dental anxiety is common and has many causes. For some people it goes back to a bad experience as a child. Others find the sounds, smells, lying back, injections or gagging hard. Some feel embarrassed because it has been a long time since their last visit. Whatever the reason, it is valid, and we will not judge the state of your teeth or lecture you.
Our approach is simple: we listen first, go at your pace, and make sure you always know what is happening and why. We cannot promise that every appointment will feel easy, and we will never tell you something will not hurt if it might. What we can do is be honest with you, keep you as comfortable as possible and stop when you ask.
Tell reception or your dentist which of these would help. Nothing here costs extra to ask for.
We can book more time so nothing feels rushed, with space to talk before we start and to pause during treatment.
Your dentist tells you what they are about to do and what you might feel before they do it. No surprises.
We agree a signal, such as raising your hand. When you use it, we stop. You are in control throughout.
You can sit up, rinse, take a breath or stop for the day. We would rather do treatment in smaller steps than push on.
Ask for an appointment at a calmer time of day, such as first thing, so you do not have long to wait or think.
You are welcome to bring a partner, friend or family member to sit with you for support.
We want to be clear about this: our Croydon practice does not offer sedation, either intravenous or inhaled. Treatment is carried out with local anaesthetic, which numbs the area being treated while you stay fully awake. We usually apply a numbing gel to the gum first so the injection is more comfortable, and we give the anaesthetic slowly.
For many nervous patients, a calm approach, time and control over the pace are enough to get through treatment. If you feel you would only manage with sedation, tell us. We can talk through your options honestly, including asking your GP or dentist about a referral to an NHS community dental service or another provider that offers sedation.
There is no pressure to have any treatment on the first day. The aim is for you to meet us and get a clear picture.
Many patients find it helps to bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast during treatment. Eat a light meal beforehand, avoid too much caffeine, and arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushed. Some people find slow breathing helps: breathe in through the nose for a count of four and out through the mouth for a count of six.
If you have a strong gag reflex, tell us. We can adjust how you are positioned, take things slowly and break up tasks such as X-rays. If you have had a long gap since your last visit, starting with a check-up and a gentle clean is often a good way to rebuild confidence before anything else.
If you need to cancel because you are feeling overwhelmed, please call us rather than just not coming. We understand, and we will help you rebook at a time that feels more manageable.
Nervous children often take their cue from the adults with them, so stay calm and avoid words like hurt or needle when talking about the visit. Our children’s dentist in Croydon page has tips on preparing young patients. NHS dental care is free for under-18s, so call to check availability.
Starting prices from our price list. Your dentist confirms costs for any treatment in writing first.
| Appointment | Price |
|---|---|
| New patient examination with X-rays | £65 |
| Check-up & hygiene | £75 |
| Emergency appointment | £65 |
| NHS Band 1 (when NHS places are available) | £27.90 |
See our full price list and our NHS dentist in Croydon page. Finance through Tabeo, with 0% for up to 12 months on selected treatments, can help spread the cost of larger treatment plans.
Croydon Dental Practice is at 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 7AB. Addiscombe tram stop is a short walk away and East Croydon station is nearby, so it is easy to reach from across the borough. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30; Saturday appointments are by request and we are closed on Sunday.
A good starting point if it has been a while since your last visit.
A gentle scale and polish with home-care advice.
If anxiety has meant putting off a problem that now hurts, call us early.
Fillings, crowns, extractions and everyday care.
No. We do not offer sedation. Treatment is carried out with local anaesthetic. If you feel you need sedation, we can discuss a referral to a service that provides it.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the area and check in with you throughout. Some pressure or brief discomfort is possible, and we will be honest with you about what to expect. You can stop at any time.
No. Many patients come to us after a long gap. We focus on what can be done now, not on the past.
Yes. Tell reception when you book. You can talk with the dentist first and decide whether to go ahead with an examination that day.
Yes. You are welcome to bring someone to sit with you during your appointment.
We agree a stop signal before we start, such as raising your hand. When you use it, we stop straight away.
Call us and let reception know you feel nervous, so we can book the right appointment for you. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30.
