Whether you’re considering dental implants in Richmond or plucking up the courage to visit for a long overdue dental check-up, you may be feeling so anxious that you actually fail to turn up for your appointment at all. Fear of the dentist’s chair stems not so much from having experienced pain at the hands of a dentist, but from the lack of control that you experience. Laying back in the dentist’s chair with the dentist hovering above you, puts a person in a situation where they can hardly respond or talk. It’s not surprising that for many patients this triggers a real sense of anxiety.
Here at Sheen Dental the aim is for the whole process of visiting the clinic to be as relaxing as possible, since it’s physically impossible to feel anxious if you’re totally relaxed. We invite new patients to attend a free consultation where they can meet the dental implant team, view the facilities and discuss their treatment options. Often it is fear of the unknown that causes anxiety and with this option, and then when it is time for a patient to come in for treatment, they already feel more at ease having met the staff and seen the facilities.
Our clinic is also designed to make you feel relaxed upon arrival with friendly reception staff and a comfortable lounge. As well as daily newspapers and magazines to keep you occupied while you wait, there’s also a good range of hot and cold beverages.
Conscious sedation
Our dentists are trained to help people who suffer a fear of dentists and may suggest IV or intravenous sedation which is administered by an injection either in your arm of the back of your hand. The dosage is equated to the treatment that you’re having and how long it is likely to last.
Once the drug starts to take effect you’ll barely notice what is going on, and although you will feel drowsy, you’ll still be able to respond to the dentist. You will need to have someone accompany you to take you home, since the drug takes a while to wear off and you won’t be able to drive or operate any machinery during this time.
Is there anything else that could help?
As an alternative to conscious sedation you may prefer the option of “laughing gas” or a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen which soon makes you feels pleasantly relaxed. The gas is breathed in through a nose piece which is comfortable to wear. At the same time the dentist will talk softly to you, putting you at ease. There are no after effects to laughing gas and just a couple of breaths will leave you feeling normal again, as the mixture exits your body. This means that you can drive yourself home if necessary.
We are a caring practice and do everything in our power to enable our patients to feel relaxed and totally at ease. So if you’re considering dental implants in Richmond, or any other treatment, then please give us a call on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk. We look forward to meeting you and helping you with your smile.