Anxious Patients

Many patients, even dentists themselves, can feel anxious about receiving dental treatment. Don't be embarrassed to tell your dentist if you're worried or to ask for a break during your treatment – we do understand your concerns.

Q. What Causes My Anxiety?
A. Fear of suffering pain is what makes many people feel anxious about visiting their dentist – but why are some people more prone to this anxiety than others?

For some people their anxiety is caused by past experience of a painful, or traumatic trip to the dentist, others simply have a lower tolerance to pain.

The main problem facing patients who feel anxious about visiting their dentist is that they can find themselves trapped in a vicious circle because the hormones related to anxiety can actually prevent local anaesthetic from working properly. So by treating the anxiety, we can make sure the anaesthetic works.

Q. How Is Anxiety Treated?

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can help to make you feel more comfortable or calm your nerves. Even listening to music or through headphones, watching TV or enjoying a movie can help to divert your attention and keep your mind from worrying.

Intravenous Conscious Sedation

For higher levels of anxiety caused by memories of traumatic dental treatment, intravenous conscious sedation may be the best option. We use Midazolam (Valium®) to reduce this type of anxiety.

If you choose this option, you'll be awake throughout the treatment but you won't feel a thing. When it's all over you won't even remember the appointment but, because you'll feel sleepy and unable to drive or operate heavy machinery, you will need someone to accompany you on your way home.

For many patients this type of treatment is so effective that - after only a few appointments – they can gradually lower the level of sedation until the traumatic memories fade and they no longer need it.