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Nervous Patient? Get a Perfect Smile with Dental Sedation

Dental Anxiety and Sedation

If the mere thought of walking into a dental practice fills you with fear of the dentist, you’re not alone. 25% of us are fearful enough to avoid or delay appointments with our dentist, but is there a solution? Aside from finding a dental practice that understands your dental phobia and makes you feel at ease, have you ever heard of dental sedation?

dentists trying to comfort nervous patient before a dental procedure
Dental phobia

Going to the dentist isn’t always a pleasant experience. Often as a result of our previous experiences of the dentist, fear of the dentist or dental phobia  can be crippling leading considerable anxiety. In fact, experts estimate that 85% of dental phobias develop as a result of a negative dental experience in the past. However, not attending the dentist can lead to more complex problems, such as gum disease, abscesses and need for the emergency dentist which can require even further treatment. The result is an ongoing cycle of dental anxiety, so what can you do?

Fortunately, dental sedation is a solution. At our dental clinic we use intravenous sedation: a relaxation technique that puts patients in a dreamlike state. Your dentist will inject the sedative into a vein and monitor the level of sedation throughout. A numbing agent can be applied to the area so that the procedure is entirely painless.

Will I Be Asleep?

Intravenous sedation (or IV sedation) is the favoured alternative to a general or local anaesthetic. With an IV injection, the patient is conscious and aware of their surroundings and treatment. This allows you to communicate with your dentist and remain in control. One is not quite asleep but in a dreamy sleep like state and largely unaware.

When Can Dental Sedation Be Used?

Dental sedation can be used in any circumstance, from a simple tooth clean performed by our cosmetic dentists, to more invasive procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction. With IV sedation, these can be performed with ease and with no discomfort to the patient.

Why Should I Get Dental Sedation in York?

When the thought of even walking past your local dental practice makes you break into a cold sweat and your body tense, it can seem like the better option to endure a toothache or ignore requests for regular checkups. However, not attending the dentist can aggravate your teeth, so when you do have to attend, you may need more extensive treatment for gum disease, bad breath or broken teeth. With dental sedation an option, a simple checkup can be performed and could prevent you from having to return for further treatment.

What Else Should I Look for in a Dentist?

Dental sedation can only be performed once you begin treatment, so if you suffer from dental anxiety, actually going to the dentist can be stressful. What you should look for is a practice that makes you feel welcome and makes the extra effort to put you at ease. At Fresh Dental Smile Clinic, our cosmetic dentists are friendly and professional. All our consultations with the dentist are free and we’ll clearly explain the treatment you need and what you can expect.

Your comfort should be an integral part of your visit to any dental practice. That’s why we offer a comfortable lounge area for you to sit in while you wait and complimentary refreshments. While we discuss the treatment options available to you, you can enjoy the benefits of a modern dental practice with a cup of tea or a latte. Our cosmetic dentists are dedicated to challenging the traditional notions of a dentistry clinic and prove that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary, uncomfortable experience.

What Should I Do After My Visit?

If you suffer from dentophobia and you go to the dentist, congratulations! After intravenous sedation, just as with any form of sedation, you may feel drowsy afterwards. It’s important to not drive for the rest of the day, so you should arrange for someone to pick you up afterwards and stay with you while the sedative wears off.

The side-effects of IV sedation are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them. Feeling nauseous is common, so if this happens, lie down and drink a glass of water. If you experience loss of consciousness or continue to feel dizzy 24 hours after sedation (this is how long it takes to fully leave your body), get in touch with your dentist or a doctor as soon as possible.

Intravenous dental sedation is incredibly safe and it can make the difference between your dental visit being pleasant or a traumatic ordeal. Always remember to find a clinic with friendly, knowledgeable staff who put you at ease.

At Fresh Dental Smile Clinic, your comfort is our first priority. Our team specialises in dental sedation, so if you’re a nervous patient, get in touch with us today and discover how we can help. Book a Free Consultation Call 01904 623 687 or contact us via the contact form.