Sedation Dentistry
Dental Phobia or Anxiety
One in four Dental patients in the UK, suffer from Dental Anxiety. Mouthpiece Dental Practice situated n the quiet village of Wool, Dorset has a calm and welcoming ambience. Our Dental team is friendly and experienced in handling the anxious patient. We also provide sedation facilities for patients with dental phobias.
Tips to ease dental fear
If you’re anxious about seeing the dentist, here are some tips to ease the fear:
– Find an understanding dentist. Ask friends and family, or look for someone who specialises in treating anxious patients.
– Once you’ve found someone you think may be suitable, visit the surgery to have a look around, meet the receptionist and dentist and see the environment. Tell the dentist that you’re anxious and what your fears are, so they know beforehand.
– Pick an appointment time early in the morning so you have less time to dwell on it.
– The first appointment will simply be a check-up so don’t worry about having any treatment. See this first visit as your chance to get to know the dentist.
– Take a friend with you to your appointment. The dentist won’t mind if they accompany you throughout the check-up or treatment.
– Agree a sign with the dentist to signal that you need a break and want them to stop. It can be as simple as pointing your finger, and will help you feel more in control.
– If you think it will help, start gradually with a clean and polish then work up to other treatments, such as fillings, once you’ve built up trust and rapport with your dentist.
– Talk to the dentist about using a numbing gel if you have a fear of needles.
– Use headphones to listen to music during your visit. It may help you relax.
Sedation
There are many reasons patients are nervous of dental treatment. Sometimes it is because of bad memories from going to the dentist as a child or sometimes it is the thought of treatment being painful.
Our dentists understand all of these fears and are here to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your dental appointments.
We feel it is very important to help our patients feel at ease and as relaxed as possible. If you are too nervous to have treatment done under local anesthetic we can refer you to an experienced sedation practice.
Having your treatment under sedation means you will be awake and able to talk to the dentist but will be in a relaxed state and not worry about the treatment that is being carried out.
TOP 7 QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM PATIENTS
What is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation is a safe and effective sedation technique that involves the administration of medications into your vein to make you feel calm and relaxed for the procedure.
Is sedation safe?
Yes! The anaesthetist will assess you before the procedure to make sure that the sedation can proceed safely. We are fully equipped to deal with any medical emergencies that may arise.
Am I suitable for sedation?
If you are able to lie flat and are reasonably healthy you are suitable for sedation. If unsure we will be more than happy to discuss this with you prior to the procedure.
Does it involve needles?
Yes. A very small needle will be placed in the back of your hand. This allows us to continually administer the sedative to ensure that you feel relaxed for the entirety of the procedure. If you have a specific phobia to needles we can use a local anaesthetic cream to numb your skin before the needle is placed.
How long does it take to work?
The beauty of conscious sedation is that works almost immediately. We can tailor the dose to achieve a pleasant relaxed state. The medications wear off very quickly at the end of the procedure with little residual effects.
Do I need an escort afterwards?
Yes it is essential that you have an escort after the procedure. This escort should take you home to rest and stay with you for at least 6 hours.
When can I return to work?
You can return to work the following day provided you feel well enough to do so.
When can I drive?
You must not drive for the rest of the day. Even though you may feel well enough to do so your judgement will be impaired.
