Nervous Patients

The fear of the dentist goes back millennia and usually stems from a personal bad experience. Whilst modern techniques and training have allowed dentists to become much better at relaxing even the most nervous patients, for some, the thought of having even the simplest treatment terrifies them. It is important to find a dentist who is understanding and not dismissive of your genuine fears.

I always give the example of interactions with dogs through childhood. If you had a family pet which was loving, then you will want to stroke most dogs you meet, but if you have bitten by one then you jump away in fright. It is a normal body response aimed at protecting yourself from harm.

For most patients we start with the approach of introducing small easy treatments and slowly build up to more complex ones as your confidence grows and your fears reduce. For other we give oral medication before your visit to relax you. For some we move up to sedation during the visit with our expert Dr Sabrina.

IV Sedation is a medicine that is delivered into your arm through a cannula (a bit like giving blood). This makes you very drowsy, a bit like being heavily drunk and you are very relaxed, often not remembering what treatment was done. You do need someone to take you home and look after you for that evening until the effects have worn off. For many patients this is a miracle and their dream of a healthy mouth is a possibility.

Our expert in dealing with nervous patients is Dr Sabrina. See her bio as this is what she does day in day out. See what her patients have to say about her and book in your consult online if you wish to have a chat with her about your particular fears and see how she can help.