Nervous Patients
Understanding how anxious of Dental treatment certain people are, we have developed a range of treatment options that will help you to have pain and fear free Dentistry.
We have a special interest in helping patients who are nervous of treatment. Over the years, we have helped many people overcome their fears.
If you have not been to the dentist for a long time, do not feel embarrassed, we have seen this many, many times. We will not be shocked; we have helped many people who have not seen a dentist for years. We do not want you to feel guilty or bad that you haven't been and we will never be disapproving or judgemental!
We try very hard to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.
If you are nervous:
- We will first of all meet you just for a chat (consultation) and learn exactly what your worries are. You do not even have to sit in the dental chair initially.
- We will put ourselves in your hands. You are in control at all times. Only treatment that you are comfortable about having carried out will be carried out.
- We will keep you in control. Even if you want us to stop during treatment - just let us know. If we are in the middle of doing something, put your hand up and we will
stop IMMEDIATELY.
Sedation & pain management techniques
What is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation is when different drugs are used to make you feel less anxious and more relaxed whilst in the dental surgery. It will make you feel drowsy and less aware of what is happening. In some cases you will not remember the treatment at all. It does not make you unconscious and is very safe.
There are different levels of conscious sedation depending on the level of anxiety you have including; oral medication, inhalation sedation and intravenous sedation. We will discuss the best method for you and your treatment to make sure that your experience is comfortable and relaxed.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Inhalation sedation is a light form of sedation which is given as a gas - a mixture of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen (often referred to as 'happy gas' or 'laughing gas'). It is given through a nosepiece which does not cover your mouth.
What is Intravenous Sedation?
Intravenous sedation is a stronger form of sedation where typically Midazolam is given by injection into a vein in your arm or hand via a cannula. The cannula remains in place until you have recovered.
Intravenous sedation is suitable for very anxious patients who do not think they would be able to tolerate treatment with a lighter form of sedation. You are still awake for the treatment, however it is likely you will not remember the procedure itself.
Will I be asleep?
No, conscious sedation differs from general sedation because you are not unconscious. You will still be able to talk and respond, however you will feel very drowsy and have limited memory of the procedure itself.
Who will benefit from sedation?
Sedation can improve the experience of treatment for anyone, however some people may benefit more than others. The groups of people who may get the most from sedation are:
Young children needed treatment
Anxious adults needing treatment
None anxious adults needing surgical procedures
Patients who gag
Patients with learning disabilities
Patients who are needle phobic
What can I expect?
It is usual to have 2 appointments.
The first appointment will be for an assessment where we discuss what dental treatment is required and discuss what type of sedation will best suit you. At this appointment we get to know each other, you have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you can think of and we address all your concerns. At this appointment we also take your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels to ensure that it will be safe for you to have this form of sedation. The dental treatment under sedation will take place at the second and subsequent appointments.
If the treatment is needed as an emergency, it may be possible to have some treatment under sedation at the first appointment.
When you return for treatment, we will again check your pulse and blood pressure. We will make sure you have an appropriate adult to escort you home before we begin.
What about afterwards?
With Inhalation sedation, the majority of the drug will be exhaled prior to you leaving the surgery. This means that there are no extraordinary measures you need to take following treatment. We normally advise that you take it steady for the rest of the day, but you will be able to carry on your day as normal.
With Intravenous sedation, the drug can stay in your bloodstream for up to 24 hours. This means that it is essential that you have a responsible adult escort with you at all times. You will not be able to: drive, work, look after children, operate machinery or sign legal documents. It is important that you plan around this in advance.
Dr Jason Wong
BDS Birm Eng, 1995, DPDS Bristol Eng, 2011, GDC70920
Mr Wong is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry and also the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis and can devise treatment options for Phobic or anxious patients.
Dr Laura Hunter-Shaw
BDS, Sheffield, Eng 2019, GDC 284386
Laura is one of our general dentists at the Maltings, who has a specific interest in treating anxious patients.
Laura enjoys taking time to get to know patients and is committed to changing people's perceptions of the dentist. Laura aims to take the fear out of dentistry in order to make patients feel at ease during appointments and to be able to carry out treatment in a relaxed environment. Laura has been trained in sedation services so can offer both Inhalation Sedation (happy gas) or Intravenous Sedation (injection) if needed, but going forwards, she prefers to build a relationship of trust with her patients so that hopefully one day they can have the confidence to come and visit the dentist worry free!
Laura accepts referrals for sedation and also works closely with other Practitioners in the practice that have advanced skills and training to be able to provide treatment in conjunction with her care for nervous patients.
Dr Diya Thakrar
BDS Manchester, Eng 2020
Diya is also one of our general dentists at the Maltings, her primary aim to make you feel as comfortable whilst attending the dentist - almost like you're at home! She is passionate about caring for you, the way that you prefer it and will tailor your treatment, or treatment for your child, with this in mind. Diya has been trained in inhalation sedation (happy gas), and can provide this for both adults and children. She has worked in a leading hospital in London to hone her skills in this area. Diya wants to help build your trust, and confidence and knows how to help take you along this journey so that you can have your treatment completed, and feel reassured afterward. Diya is more than happy to speak with you regarding any questions, and accepts referrals from your dental practice or via self-referral, as well as for patients who already attend the Maltings.
