You’re not alone if it’s been months, years, or even decades since your last dental visit. Life gets busy, fears creep in, and before you know it, what started as postponing an appointment has become a cycle of avoidance that feels impossible to break.
Perhaps you’ve been putting off that check-up because you’re worried about judgment, potential pain, or the cost of addressing neglected oral health. The longer you wait, the more daunting that first visit back seems to become.
At The Briars Dental Centre in Newbury, Berkshire, we understand these concerns completely. Our warm, welcoming approach and comprehensive care philosophy mean we’ve helped countless patients take that important first step back to optimal oral health, regardless of how long it’s been since their last visit.
Understanding the common reasons behind dental avoidance can help normalise your feelings and provide reassurance that returning to dental care is always the right choice, no matter how long you’ve been away.
Dental anxiety affects millions of people and can stem from past negative experiences, fear of pain, or simply feeling vulnerable in the dental chair. These feelings are completely valid and more common than you might think.
Many people worry that their dentist will judge them for the current state of their teeth and gums. This shame can create a vicious cycle where the longer you avoid treatment, the worse you feel about seeking help.
Worries about the cost of dental treatment, especially after years of avoidance, can seem overwhelming. However, early intervention is always more cost-effective than emergency treatment.
Busy schedules, work commitments, and family responsibilities can make it challenging to prioritise dental health, but small investments in preventive care save significant time later.
Bad experiences with past dentists can create lasting anxiety, making it difficult to trust new practitioners with your care.
The encouraging truth is that modern dentistry has evolved dramatically. Today’s techniques are gentler, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before. At The Briars, our century-old reputation has been built on understanding these concerns and creating an environment where patients feel safe, respected, and cared for.
Returning to dental care after a long absence requires a practice that truly understands patient anxiety and has developed systems to address these concerns comprehensively. At The Briars Dental Centre, our approach centres on creating a stress-free environment from the moment you contact us.
Our established reputation for premium dental treatments extends far beyond technical expertise. We pride ourselves on ensuring every patient receives a genuine warm welcome, whether it’s been six months or sixteen years since their last dental visit.
Our team understands that life happens, and dental health sometimes takes a backseat to other priorities. We focus entirely on moving forward with your care rather than dwelling on the past.
We work around your schedule and commitments, offering appointment times that make it easier to prioritise your oral health without disrupting your life.
Before any treatment begins, we explain everything in clear, understandable terms. You’ll never be surprised by a procedure or left wondering what’s happening during your visit.
Dr Victoria Holden, our Principal Dentist who leads the practice, brings exceptional experience and genuine care to every patient interaction. Having graduated from Sheffield Dental School in 1999 and pursued additional qualifications in restorative dentistry, Dr Holden combines technical expertise with an understanding of patient psychology that helps nervous individuals feel completely at ease.
Understanding what happens during your return visit can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you mentally for taking this important step. At The Briars, we’ve refined our approach to ensure first visits back are as comfortable and comprehensive as possible.
Your appointment begins with a relaxed conversation about your concerns, medical history, and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. This is your opportunity to share your worries and discuss what’s been keeping you away from dental care.
Our thorough but gentle examination assesses your current oral health status. We explain each step as we proceed, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Modern diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays when necessary, provide detailed information about your oral health whilst minimising discomfort and radiation exposure.
Based on our findings, we develop a prioritised treatment plan that addresses urgent needs first, followed by preventive and cosmetic improvements as desired.
Fady Khoury, one of our experienced dentists, exemplifies the thorough diagnostic approach that defines our practice. Known for his straightforward and comprehensive assessment style, Fady provides the swift diagnosis needed to create effective treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term oral health goals. His approach ensures that patients leave with a clear understanding of their oral health status and a realistic path forward.
One of the most reassuring aspects of returning to The Briars is knowing you’re receiving care from a team with genuine depth of experience and qualifications. Our comprehensive care approach means you can access advanced treatments without referrals to external practices.
With over a century of serving the Newbury community, The Briars has built its reputation on consistently delivering high-quality care. This established presence provides reassurance that you’re choosing a practice committed to long-term patient relationships.
Our team members regularly publish in dental journals and teach nationally, ensuring they remain at the forefront of modern dental techniques and patient care approaches.
Our consistently positive Care Quality Commission ratings across all categories—Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led—provide independent verification of our commitment to excellence.
For complex cases requiring specialist intervention, our team includes Dr Supriti Paraskar, a Registered Specialist Prosthodontist, and Dr Richard Condon, a Registered Specialist Endodontist. This means you can access advanced care when needed without the stress of referrals to unfamiliar practitioners.
Every patient’s journey back to optimal oral health looks different, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, timeline, and comfort level.
We focus on addressing urgent issues first, ensuring you’re comfortable and out of pain before moving on to preventive and aesthetic improvements.
Whether you prefer to address everything at once or take a gradual approach, we work within your comfort zone and schedule.
Our comprehensive care philosophy emphasises prevention, helping you maintain your oral health long-term rather than simply treating problems as they arise.
Building a long-term relationship with our team means you’ll have consistent support and familiarity that makes future visits comfortable and routine.
The team at The Briars includes experienced hygienists like Jo Craig, whose thorough and professional approach to preventive care helps patients maintain their oral health between visits. This comprehensive team approach ensures continuity of care and builds the relationships that make dental visits something to look forward to rather than dread.
Taking the first step back to dental care after years of avoidance requires courage, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Briars Dental Centre, our warm welcome, comprehensive approach, and century-long commitment to patient care creates the perfect environment for rebuilding your relationship with dental health.
Dr Victoria Holden’s leadership, combined with the diagnostic expertise of practitioners like Fady Khoury and our complete team of specialists and hygienists, ensures you receive the highest standard of care in the most comfortable setting possible. Our established reputation and regulatory recognition provide the assurance you need, whilst our flexible, no-judgment approach makes it easy to prioritise your oral health once again.
Remember, every day you wait is another day of potential discomfort, and dental problems rarely improve on their own. The relief and confidence that comes from addressing your oral health concerns far outweighs the temporary anxiety of that first appointment back.
Schedule a gentle consultation to discuss your concerns and create a comfortable treatment plan that works for you. Call The Briars Dental Centre on 01635 40311 or visit us at 8 St John’s Road, Newbury, RG14 7LJ. Your journey back to optimal oral health and confidence starts with a single phone call.
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