Avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety?

It might seem silly to some, but many people still consider sitting in the dentist’s chair scary. They are genuinely worried about the pain and discomfort they may feel, not to mention some level of vulnerability. At H Williams & Associates, we take the care and comfort of our patients seriously. Not only do we want to perform excellent dentistry, but we want you to feel calm and relaxed while we do it.

Although we can’t change the past experiences that have contributed to your current attitudes toward dentistry, we can use varying levels of sedation to make your new experiences more pleasant.

Dental Phobia

Fear of the dentist isn’t unusual, but a dental phobia is more severe. In the UK, about 53% of the public suffers from varying degrees of dental phobia, with 17% of people so fearful of the dentist that they refuse to go, even in emergencies. This phobia leads to avoidance, missed appointments, and, ultimately, deteriorating dental health.

Dental phobia elicits a sense of fear disproportionate to the actual danger posed. But this doesn’t mean that we should minimize or ignore a phobia. We believe that sedation dentistry can make a significant difference here.

What is Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel relaxed enough for dental procedures. There are varying levels of sedation used depending on the procedure:

Minimal Sedation – You’re relaxed but awake

Moderate Sedation – You’re conscious but can’t speak clearly and may not remember the procedure

Deep Sedation – You’re near unconsciousness but can still be awakened

General Anesthesia – You’re completely unconscious

The Types of Sedation Available

Here are the different types of sedation available to you.

IV Moderate

IV moderate sedation is when you’re sedated through a vein. This method gets the medication in you sooner and allows the dentist to adjust it as needed.

Inhaled Minimal

With minimal inhaled sedation, you use a mask for breathing in nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This gas works quickly to help you relax, while your dentist can easily control how much you get. This is minimal sedation, and you can drive yourself home afterward.

Oral Sedation

This can range from minimal to moderate sedation. You can take a pill of Halcion, for instance, an hour or so before the procedure, making you drowsy but still awake. This is minimal sedation, which may be increased to moderate sedation. We usually associate the effect with sedation dentistry, where the patient falls asleep during the procedure but can easily awaken after.

Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia

With this option, you will be rendered unconscious (in a deep sleep) during the procedure. You can’t be awakened from this kind of sedation until it wears off or you are given medication to reverse the effect.

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone fearful or anxious may benefit from sedation. It may also be beneficial for people who have the following:

• Sensitive teeth
• A lot of dental work to be completed
• A bad gag reflex
• A low pain threshold
• Inability to sit still in the dentist’s chair

How Safe is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is safe, and your chances of experiencing severe side effects are rare. It is an excellent option for anyone who needs work but is afraid or has any of the above circumstances.

About the practice

If you need to see a dentist then you have come to the right place. New patients are always welcome to our friendly dental practice with award winning dentists offering the very best dental treatment to the highest standards.

Each individual patient is valued and respected. Our aim is for you to have clean teeth, white teeth, straight teeth – we are determined to help you keep your teeth for life and I am extremely proud of my team, chosen with meticulous detail for their skill, their integrity, their warmth and their kindness.

Are you looking for a kind and caring dental service? At H Williams & Associates, we provide outstanding customer care. Contact us today!