Nervous Patients
Our goal is to provide the highest quality dental care is an enjoyable and relaxed surrounding. We strongly believe in preventive dentistry as the best possible means of maintaining optimum oral health, with a very strong emphasis on oral hygiene practices at home. We understand going to a dentist can be stressful and an experience you may not look forward to. We strongly feel and know we can change this. Over the last 50 years we have developed techniques to help you. On your first appointment you will be met and treated in a friendly, calm and warm manner. You don't even have to go into a dental surgery if you don't want to. You will never be judged by us or have to feel ashamed of any phobias you may have. Initially we can meet in one of our consulting rooms to get to know one another. In subsequent appointments we will take one step at a time together at your pace. We offer relaxation aids such as TVs and iPod docking stations to help you. We also offer treatment under sedation and pain free anaesthesia - "the Wand"
Is there anything that can help me with my fear of the dentist?
Yes. Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they will not go for dental treatment. They can overcome their fears with relaxation or sedation. Our dentists are sympathetic about these feelings, and you can ask our dentists about these ways to help.
What is sedation?
We offer an intravenous or IV sedation. This is given by injection, either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and the length of time it will take to complete.
How will IV sedation in the surgery affect me?
You become drowsy and unaware of any treatment, but you are still able to co-operate with the dentist. The effects of sedative medicine take some time to wear off and your dentist will tell you how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. You won’t be able to drink alcohol, drive or work machinery during this time.
What else can help?
You can be helped to feel relaxed by ‘relative analgesia’ sometimes known as inhalation sedation. This means breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (‘laughing gas’) which quickly leads to a pleasant, relaxed feeling. The dentist puts you at ease at the same time, by talking softly and suggesting what you feel. You remain conscious all the time, although you may be a little drowsy, and any treatment given causes you no discomfort. You breathe in the mixture through a nosepiece, which is very comfortable. You can’t overdose on the gas, as the mixture quickly leaves the body if you breathe in one or two breaths of ordinary air. There are no after-effects either, and you can drive a car after about 15 minutes. Many dentists use this safe and effective technique.
How does relaxation work?
When we are faced with a challenge or something we’re afraid of, such as a visit to the dentist, our bodies produce substances, which raise our anxiety. However, we can train our bodies to work against this anxiety, by learning to relax. It’s not possible to be anxious and relaxed at the same time, so learning relaxation helps control our anxiety.
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Dr Tariq Idrees is a Dental Phobia Certified dentist Click Here to verify.
