You picked up the phone. You scheduled the appointment. Now you’re sitting in your car thinking, “Do I really have to go in?” First, take a breath. You’re not alone.
A lot of people who walk through our door feel the exact same way. Even some of our patients who’ve been coming here for years will tell you they still get a little jittery before a cleaning. Dental anxiety is an incredibly common condition, but it doesn’t have to prevent you from getting the care you need.
Why your stomach does flips before a dental visit
For most people, dental anxiety isn’t really about pain. It’s about not knowing what’s going to happen. Or maybe you had a bad experience somewhere else years ago. Or maybe you’re just worried someone will judge you for not flossing enough (we don’t do that here, promise).
Whatever the reason, we’ve seen it all. And we don’t roll our eyes at it.
How we handle nervous first-timers at Bryn Mawr Dental Health Group
Dr. Richardson, Dr. Mesina, Dr. Ling, and Dr. Ardestani each have their own way of putting people at ease. But they all agree on one thing: listening comes before any tool or x-ray.
When you come in for your first visit, nobody’s going to start poking around without explaining everything first. We’ll walk you through what we see, what we recommend, and, most importantly, what you can say “pause” to at any time.
We also use advanced digital technology that makes exams faster and more comfortable. Less time in the chair with weird noises in your mouth? Yes, please.
A couple of things that catch first-timers off guard (in a good way)
Our office is right in front of the Bryn Mawr train station. That means a lot of our patients come straight from Philadelphia or drop by after class at Bryn Mawr College or Haverford College. The parking? Free. On-site. No circling the block stressed out.
People also tell us they’re surprised by how quiet and calm it feels inside. No cold, sterile vibe. Just a team that actually seems happy to see you.
What actually happens at a first visit
Nothing scary, we promise.
You’ll sit down with one of our dentists. They’ll ask about your health history, any worries you have, and what you’d like to change about your smile (even if the answer is “nothing, just keep it healthy”).
Then a gentle exam. Maybe digital x-rays if it’s been a while. And then a plain-English plan for what comes next.
No pressure. No shame. No sales pitch.
Ready to stop being nervous and just get it over with?
That’s the funny thing about nerves. They’re almost always worse before you walk in. Once you’re in the chair and someone’s actually listening to you? The knot in your stomach usually starts to untie itself.
If you’ve been putting off a first visit because your stomach flips every time you think about it, give us a call at (610) 525-4910 or request an appointment online. Ask for Dr. Richardson, Dr. Mesina, Dr. Ling, or Dr. Ardestani. Tell them you’re nervous. They’ll take it from there.