Dental hypnotherapy is a relaxation technique used during dental treatment to help patients who experience anxiety, fear or phobia related to visiting the dentist. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist who offers hypnotherapy sessions to patients at both SW6 practices.
Dental hypnotherapy is not a form of unconsciousness or mind control. It is a guided relaxation process where you remain fully aware and in control throughout. The technique has been used in healthcare for hundreds of years to manage conditions ranging from chronic pain and insomnia to anxiety and phobias.
During a hypnotherapy session, your therapist guides you into a deeply relaxed state using verbal cues and calming imagery. Your mind becomes focused inward rather than on your surroundings, which reduces the perception of pain, discomfort and anxiety.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Induction | Verbal cues guide you into a relaxed, focused state |
| Deepening | Calming imagery (such as a peaceful setting) deepens relaxation |
| Suggestion | Positive suggestions help reframe your experience of dental treatment |
| Emergence | You are gently guided back to full alertness |
A typical example might involve your therapist describing a calm scene — a quiet beach, a warm garden — while using language designed to relax the body progressively. As your mind enters this focused state, dental treatment can proceed with significantly reduced anxiety.
You remain conscious throughout. You can hear your dentist, respond to instructions and stop the session at any point. learn more
Dental hypnotherapy is particularly effective for patients who experience:
| Option | How It Works | Awareness Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental hypnotherapy | Guided relaxation and suggestion | Fully conscious | Mild to moderate anxiety, phobias |
| Sedation (oral) | Medication taken before appointment | Conscious but drowsy | Moderate anxiety |
| IV sedation | Intravenous sedative administered by dentist | Conscious but deeply relaxed | Severe anxiety, complex procedures |
| General anaesthetic | Full unconsciousness in hospital setting | Unconscious | Extreme phobia, major surgery |
Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for sedation in all cases. It is an effective drug-free alternative for many patients and can be combined with other approaches when needed. learn more
Research supports the use of hypnotherapy in dental settings. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that hypnosis significantly reduces dental anxiety and pain perception in both adults and children.
The underlying principle is that once your mind experiences deep relaxation in the dental environment through hypnotherapy, it begins to associate that setting with calm rather than fear. Over repeated sessions, this association strengthens — meaning future dental visits become progressively less stressful.
This is not a one-time trick. It is a learned response that builds with practice, much like any relaxation or mindfulness technique.
Dr Ayzaaz Akram is both a dentist with over 25 years of clinical experience and a qualified clinical hypnotherapist. This dual qualification means your hypnotherapy is delivered by someone who understands both the psychological and clinical aspects of dental anxiety — not a separate therapist unfamiliar with dental procedures.
Pure Smiles offers hypnotherapy at both Fulham practices:
| Practice | Address |
|---|---|
| New Kings Road | 257 New Kings Road, Fulham, SW6 4RB |
| Fulham Road | 750a Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5SH |
If dental anxiety has been preventing you from attending the dentist, hypnotherapy could help you access the care your teeth need — without medication and without fear. Book a consultation on 020 7736 6276. learn more
Yes. Dental hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive technique with no known side effects. You remain fully conscious and in control throughout the session. It does not involve medication or injections.
No. Hypnotherapy is not sleep. You enter a deeply relaxed but fully aware state. You can hear your dentist, respond to questions and stop the session at any time.
Many patients respond well to hypnotherapy in a single session, though some benefit from a preliminary session before their treatment appointment. Dr Akram will discuss the best approach based on your level of anxiety.
Yes. Children often respond very well to hypnotherapy because they are naturally imaginative and receptive to guided imagery. It can be an effective way to manage dental anxiety in younger patients without medication. learn more
In most cases, local anaesthetic is still used for procedures that require it. Hypnotherapy reduces the anxiety and distress surrounding the injection and the procedure itself — making the entire experience significantly more comfortable.
