HOW DO YOU CALM NERVOUS PATIENTS LIKE ME?

We understand that visiting the dentist can be nerve-wracking, and we want to assure you that we are here to help you feel comfortable. We know that everyone has unique reasons for feeling anxious about dental visits, so it’s essential for us to get to know you and your concerns. To make your experience as stress-free as possible, we have created a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable chairs, soothing scents, and calming music. Our team of dental professionals is committed to active listening and building trust with you to ensure you have control over your treatment. We understand that feeling out of control can contribute to dental anxiety, so we move at your pace, and you can stop treatment at any time by raising your hand. We also believe in transparency and will communicate treatment options and needs during your visits.

Distraction

We offer conscious sedation for our patients, which gradually relaxes you and ensures deep comfort throughout your treatment. This technique involves combining “happy air” sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen, which is safe and reversible for most patients. Our clinicians will discuss any minor contraindications with you beforehand. Additionally, we use guided meditation and calming music with alpha waves to create a soothing atmosphere and help you feel comfortable. You will remain awake throughout your treatment, and we will continually reassure you without using technical dental language. Our nurses are highly intuitive and usually don’t need to communicate with each other, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the calming ambiance.

Our technique is a new approach to dentistry that offers a comfortable and relaxing experience for all patients. Even the most skilled and experienced dentists cannot guarantee a completely pain-free treatment because discomfort varies from person to person. Our approach involves using “happy gas” or nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen to induce a state of deep relaxation during treatment. A small nose piece allows normal breathing while giving the dentist full access to your mouth. Before the treatment, the clinician guides you through a meditation process to help you reach a “happy place” where you remain during the procedure. You can communicate with the dentist at all times, and the treatment is usually without discomfort or disorientation. Our technique is ideal for nervous patients, but recommended for everyone as it transforms a typically unpleasant experience into an enjoyable one. We invite you to visit us and experience this unique approach to dentistry firsthand.

How do I calm down before going to the dentist?

Talk to someone about it to make your feel better
Listen to music
Focus on your breathing while in the chair
Pick the first appointment so you don’t have time to worry about it
Your dentist can prescribe you anxiety relief medication

What can a dentist give you for anxiety?

Your dentist can prescribe you anxiety relief medication which is taken about an hour before the appointment to help you relax. If a patient has an extreme phobia of the dentist, they may suggest conscious sedation so that your treatment can be done comfortably and efficiently.

How common is dental anxiety?

Having a dental phobia is very common and affects about 36% of the population. 12% also suffer with an extreme fear of the dentist. This can have an impact on patient’s oral health as they might avoid coming to the dentist. If there are any problems that are left untreated, they may get worse which can make it harder for these patients as the treatment may become more invasive the longer a treatment is delayed.

What is considered conscious sedation?

Conscious sedation is a mixture of medication to help relax a person while blocking pain with anaesthetic. This can be done for medical and dental procedures. It means that the patient is awake and aware of what is going on but is unable to feel pain or speak. This type of sedation is recommended for patients who are very nervous as it can make the procedure a lot easier for the patient and dentist.

What does conscious sedation feel like?

The effects of sedation feel different depending in the type of sedation and the person under sedation. The main symptoms include feeling relaxed and drowsy. The more the sedation kicks in it can get rid of any anxiety or stress that may have been felt before the sedation. This is why it is a great option for patients with dental phobias.