Sedation Dentistry to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety and dental fears and phobias are extremely common and most of us will feel a little anxious when visiting a dentist in Watton even if it’s just for a check-up and cleaning. However much we might try to tell ourselves that these fears are irrational, they can still be overwhelming for some people who may find it too difficult to visit a dentist until they absolutely have to. By this stage they are likely to be in a great deal of pain and discomfort and this can help reinforce dental anxieties. This is where dental sedation can be extremely useful and at the same time it pays to talk to your dentist in Watton if you do feel at all anxious about treatment.

Modern Dentistry Takes a Sympathetic Approach towards Nervous Patients

You’ll find today’s dentists take an extremely sympathetic approach towards nervous patients and dental practices like Clarence House Dental Care have a number of different things they can do to help nervous patients relax when visiting the dentist. Sometimes dental sedation isn’t even necessary as one of the things that people often fear is the loss of control they can feel when sitting in the dental chair. One simple technique that can give you back this control is the knowledge that if you raise your hand during treatment or during an examination, your dentist will stop immediately and will check that you’re okay before continuing. You’ll also find that any treatment can be given at a rate that you feel comfortable with, so if you need things to proceed more slowly, then they can.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

However, there are times when sedation dentistry can be extremely useful, for example if you require quite a lot of treatment for a particular issue. Under these circumstances, our dentist in Watton will usually be able to complete far more treatment during just one appointment, helping you to return to dental health that much more quickly and comfortably. Dental sedation can also be useful for anyone with a particularly strong gag reflex and who finds it very uncomfortable receiving treatment. The aim of dental sedation is to help produce a feeling of deep relaxation and although you may still be aware of what’s happening around you, it will not bother you. You will still be able to communicate with our dental team and we will take extensive precautions to keep you safe at all times when using dental sedation.

One of the most straightforward forms of dental sedation is nitrous oxide or laughing gas which is breathed in through a small mask that will fit over your nose. The great thing about nitrous oxide is that it takes effect very quickly and is eliminated from the body very shortly once the gas is turned off so you will be able to drive yourself home. Oral sedation can be given in the form of a tablet or liquid and provides a greater level of relaxation, although you will need someone to take you home after treatment.

There are lots of different things that we can do to help nervous patients relax and once you’ve visited us a few times we hope you’ll feel far more comfortable once you’ve got to know our friendly dental team. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, give us a call on 01953 882777.