Start with a conversation
A first appointment can be used to get to know each other and discuss your worries. We agree together whether an examination is possible and which steps are next.
How we work togetherDental anxiety · Cologne
For patients with dental anxiety.You do not have to
tackle everything at once.
Perhaps even booking an appointment takes courage. At SMILE meets DESIGN, we take your concerns seriously. We listen and discuss which first step feels possible for you.
First, you can tell us your story
What you find difficult
matters to us.
Fear of pain. The sound of instruments. The feeling that you cannot ask for a break. Or worrying that you will be judged for the state of your teeth after a long gap in treatment. Dental anxiety can take very different forms.
You do not need to justify or play down your anxiety. When booking, tell us that you would like an initial conversation to get to know us. We can then plan the appointment accordingly.
We begin with your concerns and previous experiences. We discuss together whether an examination is possible afterwards and what it might involve. The first contact does not have to become a plan for every treatment at once.
Your concerns in focus
What would make the first step easier for you?
Choose what you would like to know more about before an appointment.
What would you like to know? Choose a concern. The drawing and explanation will reflect your selection.
Know what comes next
We explain the next steps before they begin. You can tell us whether you would like a detailed explanation or just the essentials.
Explanations during your appointmentAgree on a stop signal
Before the examination or treatment, we agree on a signal for a break, such as raising your hand. We pause as soon as the instruments can be safely removed from your mouth.
The agreed stop signalA guide for the conversation, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Your selection is not stored or transmitted.
Knowing what to expect at your appointment
Arrangements
we can refer to together.
Explain before starting
We explain the next steps in advance. Tell us how much you would like to know: some people find a detailed explanation reassuring, while others prefer just the essentials.
A signal for a break
Before an examination or treatment, we agree on a stop signal, such as raising your hand. If you need a break, we pause as soon as the instruments can be safely removed from your mouth.
Agree on pace and scope
We discuss what is planned for each appointment and what can wait. One manageable step can help you become familiar with the situation. We explain which sequence makes medical sense.
After a longer break
The situation today
is our starting point.
People who have avoided appointments for a long time sometimes fear an overwhelming amount of treatment. Only an examination shows what is actually needed. We discuss the findings and distinguish urgent steps from measures that can be planned later.
Whether a filling, a gum treatment or another form of care is appropriate depends on your findings. Costs and possible alternatives also belong in the conversation.
You can bring someone for support
If having someone you trust with you would help at the first visit, mention it when booking. Written questions or a brief note about particularly difficult situations can also make getting started easier.
An existing medication list and previous records are useful too. Together, we focus on what is helpful and medically necessary now.
When anxiety is severe
Dental care
and additional support can go together.
Nervousness before a dental appointment and a pronounced dental phobia are not the same. If anxiety prevents visits over the long term or triggers strong physical reactions, separate psychotherapeutic support may be helpful.
An initial psychotherapy consultation can help determine which support is appropriate. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one recognised treatment for anxiety disorders. It is provided by appropriately qualified therapists.
We can coordinate your dental steps with that support. We do not promise a particular number of appointments or complete freedom from anxiety. What matters is that the support suits your situation.
Information to help you decide
A manageable first appointment
You can tell us what you find difficult.
Mention anxiety early
A brief mention when booking helps us prepare. You do not need to justify your worries and can ask to begin with a conversation.
Identify triggers
Sounds, pain or loss of control can affect people differently. Tell us which situations are difficult and how much explanation helps you during an appointment.
Agree on breaks
A stop signal discussed beforehand can provide reassurance about the process. The scope of an examination and possible breaks should also be agreed together before anything begins.
Put the steps in order
After a longer break, we first discuss your concerns and a possible examination. The findings help distinguish urgent steps from further appointments that can be planned.
Include additional support
If anxiety prevents visits over the long term, psychotherapeutic support may be appropriate. Dental treatment and support for severe anxiety need to be coordinated individually.
Frequently asked questions
You are welcome to ask these questions too.
I have not been to the dentist for years. Can I still come?
Yes. Tell us what has made visiting difficult until now. The first task is to understand your situation and find a manageable starting point together.
Does treatment have to start at the first appointment?
You can first arrange an appointment to get to know us and talk. Whether an examination or treatment is appropriate will be agreed with you. If you have acute pain or swelling, please mention this when you first contact us so we can take the urgency into account.
What if I am afraid of the anaesthetic or of pain?
Please tell us specifically what worries you. We explain the planned procedure and discuss how we check that pain control is working. If you feel pain during treatment, give the agreed signal. We will pause and assess the cause.
Can I have nitrous oxide, sedation or a general anaesthetic?
These methods require a separate medical assessment and appropriate facilities and conditions. Whether additional support is needed and where it could be provided must be clarified individually. Treatment using these methods cannot be promised through general appointment booking.
What does treatment for patients with dental anxiety cost?
That depends on the dental services needed and your insurance cover. We explain in advance what can be provided under statutory health insurance and which services may be agreed privately under GOZ. For more extensive care, you receive an individual treatment and cost plan. We do not quote a flat price for “anxiety treatment”.
The first contact
A conversation
can be the beginning.
When booking, you can simply say: “I am anxious about treatment and would like to talk to you first.”
Arrange an initial conversation
Prefer to call? 0221 669 401 80 · Contact & directions