Let’s be real: visiting the dentist can be a little scary for a lot of people. If the thought of sitting in the dental chair makes your heart race, you’re definitely not alone. At Sunshine Coast Health, our Oral Health teams get it and we’re here to make your dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We’re experts at helping anxious patients
All our clinicians know that dental anxiety is real, and they’ve got tons of experience helping patients feel calm and cared for. The best thing you can do? Just let your dental professional know if you’re feeling nervous. We’re here to listen and help you every step of the way.
Why regular dental check-ups are a big deal
If you still have your natural teeth (and we hope you do!), regular dental check-ups are super important, from childhood all the way through adulthood. The National Oral Health Plan suggests getting a check-up at least every two years to catch any issues before they become a problem.
By the time kids hit high school, it’s expected they’re comfortable enough to get routine dental treatment done without a fuss. And yep, the same goes for adults too! The goal? To keep your smile healthy and happy for life.
When anxiety feels overwhelming
If your dental nerves are more than just butterflies, maybe even full-blown phobia, it’s a good idea to chat with your GP. They can talk you through options, including seeing a psychologist who can help you manage those fears.
Need a little extra help? Meet Nitrous Oxide (‘Happy Gas’)
For those who need a bit more support during treatment, we offer nitrous oxide sedation - also known as ‘happy gas’. It helps you relax and feel a bit more at ease while we work on your teeth. Just a heads up: this service is pretty popular, so there might be a wait, even if you’re in pain . But the good news is the availability of happy gas is expanding in 2026 with a brand-new dental clinic opening in Maroochydore which will provide this service.
What about general anaesthetic?
While our Oral Health Service doesn’t provide general anaesthesia for dental treatments (due to funding rules), Sunshine Coast Health offers it for:
- Kids who are too young to sit still for treatment
- Adults with significant disabilities. This mainly includes patients who need full time care as they cannot perform functions such as eating, cleaning their teeth, showering etc by themselves.
Here’s the important bit: having a dental phobia isn’t considered a factor when determining if a patient meets the criteria for a free general anaesthetic with Sunshine Coast Health. So, we don’t accept doctors’ notes for anxiety to get general anaesthetic. We want to help you feel confident enough to keep up with your regular dental care throughout your life.
The only time general anaesthesia is considered for patients with anxiety is if they need all their teeth removed (and won’t need future dental work). Even then, there’s a long wait, including for those in pain.
Private services offering general anaesthesia are also available if you want to explore that option.
Your best weapon against dental anxiety? Prevention!
Here’s some good news: most dental problems are totally preventable. If going to the dentist feels tough, the best thing you can do is keep your teeth and gums in great shape with these simple tips:
🪥 Brush and floss every day
🍩 Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks
💧 Drink plenty of water
🚭 Don’t smoke (smoking is a major culprit for gum disease, mouth cancer, and slow healing after dental work)
By taking care of your mouth every day, you’re less likely to need tricky treatments that make you anxious.
Bottom line: We’re here to help you have the healthiest, happiest smile possible, with as little stress as we can manage. Got questions or worries? Reach out to us anytime. Your smile is worth it!