Who experiences dental fear?

Dental fear can affect people of any age — from those who have never visited a dentist before to people whose anxiety stems from a past difficult experience. It's a common reason people delay or avoid dental care, and raising it with your dental team is a normal part of planning treatment.

Can I just come in for a chat first?

Yes. Your first appointment can simply be a conversation with your dentist about your concerns and options, with no treatment unless you are ready.

Will I be told off for not coming in for years?

No. Many patients return after a long break. We focus on where things are now and how we can help.

Is sleep dentistry suitable for me?

It depends on your medical history and the treatment needed. Suitability is assessed by your dentist and by the anaesthetist at Geelong Sleep Dentistry.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment.

What are common signs of dental anxiety?

Reported signs vary between individuals and can include disturbed sleep before an appointment, a racing heart, nausea or unease when thinking about a visit, and increasing distress while waiting to be seen. Not everyone experiences the same signs, or to the same degree.

Is dental anxiety common?

Yes — many people describe some level of nervousness about dental visits, and a smaller number experience it strongly enough to avoid care altogether. If this applies to you, you are not alone, and it's worth mentioning to your dental team.

Can sedation help with dental fear?

For some patients, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation may be considered as part of a treatment plan. Whether sedation is appropriate depends on your health history and the procedure involved, and is determined individually at a clinical assessment — it is not suitable for everyone.

What should I do if fear is stopping me from booking an appointment?

Consider calling our Norlane reception team or requesting an appointment online. Letting us know about your anxiety beforehand allows us to plan the visit with you in mind, rather than arriving to a standard, unmodified appointment.

Comfort · Dental anxiety

Nervous about the dentist? You are not alone.

Dental anxiety is common, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. At our Norlane practice we take things at your pace, explain each step, and can discuss sedation options for suitable patients.

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Call (03) 5278 2666

Dental anxiety support Go at your pace Happy gas Sleep dentistry for suitable patients Pause any time Norlane · Geelong · est. 1974 Dental anxiety support Go at your pace Happy gas Sleep dentistry for suitable patients Pause any time Norlane · Geelong · est. 1974

Norlane · Geelong
One location since 1974

Anxiety · Norlane

We listen first , then plan care around you.

Nervous about the dentist? We can work at your pace.

Some people feel anxious because of a past experience, a fear of needles or the sounds of treatment, or a feeling of losing control. Others have simply stayed away for a long time and feel worried about what we might find.

Whatever the reason, tell us when you book. Your first visit can simply be a conversation. We explain what we see and your options, without judgement, and you decide what happens next.

At Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants, telling us about your concerns helps us plan an appointment that suits you — including, where clinically appropriate, options to help you feel calmer in the chair.

Norlane Dental

One location since 1974

How we help

Ways we support anxious patients.

Everyone is different. Tell us what would help you feel more comfortable.

N° 01

Communication

Explaining each step

We tell you what we are doing before we do it, and check in with you as we go.

N° 02

Control

A stop signal

Agree on a hand signal so you can pause treatment at any time.

N° 03

Time

Longer appointments

Extra time so nothing feels rushed, and breaks when you need them.

N° 04

Comfort

Distraction and support

Bring headphones and music, or a support person, if it helps.

N° 05

Sedation

Happy gas

Nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed during treatment, for suitable patients.

N° 06

Sleep dentistry

Sedation and general anaesthesia

IV sedation or sleep dentistry with Geelong Sleep Dentistry, following assessment.

No judgement

It has been a while? That is okay.

Many of our patients return after years away from the dentist. We will not lecture you. We simply look at where things are now, explain your options and costs, and help you take the next step at a pace that suits you.

01.

Tell us when you book

Let our team know you feel anxious, and anything that makes it worse or better.

02.

A conversation first

Your first visit can be a chat with your dentist before any examination.

03.

A careful examination

When you are ready, we examine your teeth and gums, explaining what we are doing.

04.

Options, explained

We discuss treatment options, comfort and sedation choices, and costs.

05.

Your pace

Treatment can be broken into shorter visits, starting with what matters most to you.

Your first visit

A gentle start.

Comfort options we may discuss.

Please note

Sedation is not suitable for everyone. Suitability is assessed individually, and all procedures carry risks as well as benefits.

01.

Local

Local anaesthetic

Numbs the area being treated. A numbing gel can be applied first so the injection feels more comfortable.

02.

Mild

Happy gas

Breathed through a small nose mask while you stay awake. Your dentist will advise when you can drive afterwards.

03.

Moderate

IV sedation

Provided through Geelong Sleep Dentistry by qualified practitioners, following assessment.

04.

Deep

General anaesthesia

For extensive treatment or significant anxiety, following medical review, with Geelong Sleep Dentistry.

Call (03) 5278 2666 and let us know you are nervous. We will take it from there.

If further support is needed

Sedation options, considered individually

Where anxiety is significant, some patients may be offered a sedation pathway alongside their dental treatment. Suitability depends on your medical history and the procedure planned, and is always confirmed at a clinical assessment.

01.

Standard

Local anaesthetic

The routine approach used for most dental procedures. It numbs the treatment area while you remain fully awake and aware.

02.

Inhalation

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

A mild inhaled relaxant sometimes used for anxious patients. Effects wear off soon after the mask is removed, and you remain conscious throughout.

03.

Conscious

IV sedation

Available through our partner facility, Geelong Sleep Dentistry, for suitable patients and longer or more complex procedures.

04.

Asleep

General anaesthesia

Considered for select cases after specialist medical review, and delivered through Geelong Sleep Dentistry.

Please note: sedation and anaesthesia carry risks, as with any medical intervention. They are not suitable for every patient or procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options, benefits, risks, and alternatives relevant to you before any decision is made — this page does not constitute medical advice.

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