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We're open as normal and you can view our COVID-safe information here.
IKON Dental Specialists sedation dentistry for nervous patients
Here’s what you need to know…
Dentophobia, or fear of the dentist, is a very common phobia and affects people of all ages. In most cases, anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist stems from one of two causes.
While being nervous about visiting the dentist is completely normal, it can have serious consequences for your oral and even general health. This is because people who don’t have regular dental check-ups are more likely to develop problems with their teeth, gums and mouth such as decay and gum disease. And since many chronic health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, have been linked to poor dental health, avoiding the dentist and suffering dental problems could have far more dangerous repercussions.
At IKON Dental Specialists, we understand how nerve-racking visiting the dentist can be, and we take time to listen to any anxieties or concerns that you have about your dental care. Our philosophy is to make sure that you receive the dental care that you need and deserve. To achieve this, we take various steps to make your time with us as comfortable as possible.
Conscious sedation is a popular dental practice that helps to reduce anxiety, discomfort and pain during certain dental procedures.
It is particularly effective for patients who are anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist, although it can also be valuable in treating patients who have physical or cognitive disabilities that would otherwise prevent them from accessing dental treatment. Other groups of people who may wish to consider sedation dentistry include those who are:
Conscious sedation is achieved using a sedative medication that is administered around an hour before your procedure, usually in the form of a pill or intravenous drip. Once the sedative takes effect, patients will start to feel increasingly calmer, more relaxed and sleepy. However, they will still be able to talk normally and follow simple instructions if asked to. Patients will have some awareness of what is happening around them but will not be fully alert. Afterwards, they may remember some of their treatment, but rarely all of it. Memories will seem dream-like.
If you have had conscious sedation, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after. Even if you intend on taking public transport, you may feel disorientated for some time and so we recommend that you have a friend or family member accompany you on the journey home.
There are a range of other techniques that you can use to help you overcome feelings of nervousness and anxiousness at your forthcoming dental appointment. These include:
Call us on 020 8997 2888 or book a free smile consultation online.
Sedation dentistry has been shown to be highly effective in helping patients with physical and cognitive disabilities to access dental treatment. Some examples include:
Your suitability for sedation will be assessed ahead of your appointment, but for most people, sedation dentistry is extremely safe, and the small degree of risk associated with it is far outweighed by the benefit of receiving dental treatment.
There are several side effects associated with sedation, including:
Dr Dobreci and his team were very professional. I was a bit nervous at the beginning about the procedure, but the whole process was very smooth and the team very thoughtful which made me really feel at ease. The practice feels very modern and the staff are super friendly. I feel I have received the best care one could offer.
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