Comfort techniques - no sedation
Stop signal, comfort menu, pacing, your own headphones or music, and where helpful, splitting treatment across shorter visits rather than one long appointment.
Nervous about the dentist? You're in the right place.
Whether you haven't visited a dentist in years, feel anxious about treatment, or have a diagnosed dental phobia, our Guildford team is built around making you feel safe, heard, and in control from your very first call.
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You are not the only one who feels this way
We know that for many people across Guildford and Surrey, visiting the dentist takes real courage. Some of our patients haven't been for years. Others have had painful or frightening experiences at other practices and aren't sure they can try again. We understand, and we never judge.
At Northdene Dental Surgery in Guildford, we've spent over four decades learning how to make dentistry feel different. Whether you experience mild anxiety or full dental phobia, our approach is the same: from your very first phone call, we'll listen, without rushing, without pressure, at your pace.
You're always in control here.
01
A welcome call, before you even arrive
Before your first appointment, we'll call you for a real conversation, not a form-filling exercise. Tell us as much or as little as you like about why dentistry feels difficult. There's no need to explain yourself or apologise. This call exists so nothing about your first visit comes as a surprise.
02
A comfort menu when you arrive
On arrival, you'll be offered a comfort menu, small choices that put you back in control, from a blanket to noise-cancelling headphones to choosing which chair you'd rather sit in while you wait. Nothing is mandatory. It's simply there if it helps.
03
A stop signal that we always honour
During treatment, you're given a stop signal, a simple hand gesture that means pause, immediately, no questions asked. We check in throughout. You are never expected to push through discomfort to avoid being rude.
04
Sedation available, if you'd like it
For patients with more significant dental phobia, sedation is available on request. We'll talk through what this involves, whether it's right for you, and what to expect afterwards, before any decision is made.
05
A follow-up, so you're never wondering
After your appointment, we'll send a short SMS follow-up. It's a small thing, but it means you're never left wondering whether everything went as it should, and gives you an easy way to reach us if anything's on your mind afterwards.
Our goal
Every patient leaves feeling listened to and relaxed.
You don't need to book a treatment to speak to us. If you're nervous, if it's been years since you've seen a dentist, or if you just want to ask a question before committing to anything, call us. There's no pressure, no obligation, and no expectation that you'll have everything figured out before you call.
Our Comfort Promise
01Your stop signal will always be honoured, immediately.
02Sedation is available if you want it, entirely your choice.
03You can bring someone with you for support.
04However long it's been, we will never make you feel guilty about it.
05You set the pace. We will never rush you into a decision.
Understanding your options
Sedation options
Sedation can help patients with more significant phobia relax through treatment. It's available on request and always discussed and agreed with you before any appointment is booked, never assumed or upsold on the day.
Can I just talk to someone first?
Yes. Many patients call simply to ask questions before deciding anything.
Ready to take the first step, three options
Call us
Call 01483 560 068.
You don't need to book anything on this call, many nervous patients simply want to ask a question first.
Monday–Friday 8:30am–5:00pm, Saturday 8:30am–4:30pm.
Book online
Use the online booking form at northdenedental.co.uk and let us know in the notes that you're nervous, so we can prepare your welcome call in advance.
Just ask first
Come to 13 London Road, Guildford, or send us a message. There's no commitment to book anything in person.
Before your first visit
You don't need to prepare anything special. If it helps, you're welcome to bring: a note of what specifically worries you (so we know before you arrive) · any previous bad experiences you'd like us to know about · a friend or family member for support · your own headphones or music. For a child: a parent or legal guardian must attend.
FAQs
I haven't been to a dentist in years, will you judge me?
No. Many of our patients haven't visited for years, sometimes decades, before coming to Northdene. We focus entirely on helping you move forward from where you are now, not on what's happened before.
What is a stop signal and how does it work?
A stop signal is a simple hand gesture, usually raising your hand, that means pause immediately. We agree this with you before treatment begins and check in throughout, so you're always in control of what happens and when.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. You're welcome to bring a friend or family member for support, for your first visit or any visit afterwards.
Can I just ask questions without booking treatment?
Yes. You can call or visit us with no obligation to book treatment. Many nervous patients prefer to talk things through first.
How long will my first appointment take?
Your first appointment is unhurried, we'd rather take longer and have you leave feeling comfortable than rush.
Is dental anxiety common?
Yes, dental anxiety is very common, and dental phobia affects a significant number of adults. You are not alone, and it's something we see and support every week.
Will my child be treated with the same care if they're nervous?
Yes. Our nervous-patient approach, including the comfort menu and stop signal, applies to patients of all ages, including children.
Find us
13 London Road, right in the heart of Guildford.
Opening Hours
- Monday-Friday
- 8:30 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 8:30 - 16:30
- Sunday
- Closed
13 London Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 2AA
01483 560 068 - northdenedentalsurgery.londonroad@nhs.net
