Understanding Dental Anxiety
Being a nervous patient doesn’t mean you need to avoid going to see your dentist.
Nervous patients need dental treatments from dentists who know how to treat them properly In addition, if you let us know that you're feeling anxious before visiting them, we will be able to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your appointment.
You don't need to be afraid anymore! It's never too late to get started on taking better care of your teeth.
What solutions do you offer for a nervous patient?
First and foremost, we office a clean, warm, friendly environment to ensure that you are as calm and relaxed as possible. Futhermore for the most anxious of patients, with your dentists advise we may offer a Dental Sedation option.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help relax patients during dental procedures. Sometimes referred to as " sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate.
In most cases, patients are conscious during surgery except for those who are under general aesthetic. Levels of sedation vary from mild (conscious but drowsy) to deep (unresponsive).
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Minimal sedation - you are awake but relaxed.
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Moderate Sedation (previously known as Conscious sedation) - involves you having some memory loss during the procedure. You may slur your words when talking and not remember much of what happened.
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Deep sedation - you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be woken up if necessary
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General anesthesia - you will be completely unconscious during the procedure.
Advantages of Dental Sedation?
Dentists have been offering a variety of sedation solutions, to ensure that regardless of your nervous that you are able to receive treatment that you need.
There are many advantages including:
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Pain-free Dental Experience
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More Treatments & progression
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Relaxed State
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Affordable
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Less Stressful
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You will not remember the treatment
If you would like to tak to us about your dental concerns, you can call is on: 01785 251 287
What Types of Sedation are used in Dentistry?
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Inhalational Minimal Sedation - This involves breathing nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) mixed with oxygen through a mask covering your nose and the amount is controlled by your dentist. The gas makes you feel relaxed and is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
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Oral Sedation - Depending on the dosage given, oral sedation may vary between mild and moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill which will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake.
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IV Moderate Sedation – You receive the sedative medication via an intravenous (IV) line, which means it travels directly into your bloodstream. It works faster than oral medications because it bypasses the digestive system. With this technique, dentists can continuously adjust the level of sedative needed for each patient.
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Deep sedation and General Anaesthetics – You'll be given medication which makes you either almost unconscious or completely unconscious (deeply asleep) during the procedure. While under general anaesthesia, you will not feel anything. It takes a few hours to come back around after the procedure is finished.
How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry (General Anaesthesia)?
St Marys dental professionals have been properly educated and certified to give you the kind of anaesthesia you'll require during your procedure.
Your dentist will review your medical history before performing the treatment. He/she may ask questions such as "Are you allergic to anything?" and "Do you take medication?".
If your dentist determines that you are not an ideal candidate for sedation, then you will be advised right away and discuss other options.
Before undergoing any surgical procedures, you must fill out a consent form stating whether you understand the potential risks involved.
Talk things through with your dentist before going ahead with any treatment plan. If there’s anything you don't understand or you have any concerns, just ask!
During the procedure, your dentist will monitor your vital signs. The dentist will also have oxygen and/or suitable medications that reverse the effects of sedation on hand in case they are needed for any reason.
What is the Dental Sedation process (General Anaesthesia)?
You'll be provided with specific directions from your dentist prior to an appointment.
These usually include suggestions like wearing comfortable clothes, avoiding eating or drinking six to eight hours before anaesthesia, stopping any medication not already scheduled for surgery, etc.
Before having dental surgery done, you'll need to give or confirm your full medical history so we know if there are any conditions that could affect the procedures.
Also you should arrange someone to drive you home after treatment as you will not be allowed to drive yourself.
What people say about us
I recently received a course of treatment from Dr Naz Shah and his nurse Jess. On entering the Practice, I found the reception staff very friendly, efficient and helpful. I was then taken through to the consulting room. All aspects of my treatment we explained in detail including cost and opportunity was given to discuss and ask questions about my treatment. The team put me at ease and the treatment I received was excellent .
Jill Lambert
December 2021
After my caps for my upper front 2 teeth kept falling out I decided to have them replaced with Implants.
Mr Joshi, performed the procedure over several months, his work is excellent and I would hight recommend him for anyone considering implants. I no longer have a buck tooth smile. Thank you very much for the work you have performed on me.
Robert F
June 2021