A traumatic dental experience led Robin Craig to develop a long-standing fear of dental treatment, which was only addressed after seeking help from a specialist practice focused on patients with dental anxiety. After a painful filling procedure in 2021 where proper anesthesia was not administered, Craig avoided dental visits for several years, ultimately allowing fear and shame to prevent routine check-ups.

Craig described the initial avoidance as manageable but admitted that feelings of embarrassment grew over time, especially when hearing friends discuss their dental visits. The anxiety culminated in 2025 when the onset of tooth pain during consumption of sweet foods prompted Craig to seek help. A friend recommended a private dental clinic in Shoreditch, London, known for its approach to treating anxious patients.

At the first appointment, Craig expressed deep apprehension, revealing that four years had passed since the last dental visit. The dentist immediately acknowledged the impact of previous negative experiences and introduced a desensitisation method designed to ease patient anxiety. Rather than proceeding with invasive treatments, the practice begins with low-stress procedures such as dental cleaning, allowing patients to build trust and regain control.

During the examination, the dentist found no evidence requiring a filling; the pain was attributed to plaque buildup. However, wisdom teeth removal would eventually be necessary. The treatment plan was adjusted to prepare Craig gradually over the course of a year or more, ensuring comfort and readiness. The initial hygienist session allowed Craig to pause the procedure at any time by raising a hand—a marked departure from previous experiences that felt rushed and lacked clear communication.

This approach helped reduce the shame that had accumulated, as Craig started to share the dental anxiety openly with friends, many of whom admitted to similarly avoiding care due to embarrassment. Regular dental visits have since resumed, and the prospect of addressing wisdom teeth extraction is now being considered.

Craig highlighted a desire for such desensitisation techniques to be more accessible within the National Health Service system but affirmed that overcoming dental fear has been a significant and worthwhile accomplishment. The experience demonstrated that avoiding dental care after trauma is a common and understandable response, one that can be managed effectively with tailored support.