Does the thought of going to the dentist fill you with dread? You’re not alone – nearly half of UK adults have a fear of the dentist, with 12% of these suffering from extreme dental anxiety. If you’ve been putting off necessary treatment because of dental phobia, read on to find out about sedation at Chiswick Park Dental & Facial.
Do I need dental sedation?
If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, you may be pleasantly surprised. Gone are the days of stark waiting rooms, stern dentists, and intimidating-looking equipment. At Chiswick Park Dental & Facial, all our dentists, nurses, and hygiene staff understand the importance of putting patients at ease to alleviate anxiety and calm nerves. We take time to ensure that each and every one of our patients feels comfortable in our care before we begin any form of treatment. If you are worried about sitting in the dentist’s chair, we recommend making an appointment to stop by the practice and chat with our experienced team. You may find that a gentle introductory approach and using some of the anti-anxiety tips that we can suggest is enough to reassure you without the need for medical sedation. For extremely nervous patients, we can discuss safe sedation. Sedation may also be an option for patients who:
- Are unable to sit still in the dentist’s chair.
- Have a very low tolerance for pain or discomfort.
- Require a large amount of dental work.
- Have very sensitive teeth.
How does sedation work?
While you are under sedation you will feel deeply relaxed, but still be able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist. Patients under sedation are usually unaware of what is happening and will have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards.
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, our dentists are qualified at delivering dental sedation and will ensure that you are comfortable and safe throughout the procedure. The level of sedation is well below that of general anaesthesia.
How long will I be under sedation?
This will depend on the type of procedure you are having. We will discuss what to expect before your treatment, but you should anticipate a 15-20-minute recovery period after the procedure is finished. Most patients are able to return to work the day after treatment, but you should expect to feel drowsy for a few hours immediately following your appointment. For this reason, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the practice on the day of your appointment.
Are there alternatives to sedation?
If you are unable to have dental sedation (for example, if you are pregnant or nursing), we can discuss alternative options, including anti-anxiety relaxation techniques or local anaesthetic alone.
At Chiswick Park Dental & Facial Practice, we offer early morning and late evening appointments two days a week to fit your busy schedule. Contact us today to book your appointment with one of our friendly and professional specialists.
