Sedation dentistry

Some people are fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist and they let their oral health suffer as a result. It is important to see a dentist regularly so we can assess and deal with problems before they become large problems and become painful, irreversible or expensive.

With modern dentistry, there are many techniques and methods that we use to help overcome your anxieties and make your dental experience comfortable and even fun! Did you know you can now watch a movie at Bow Lane Dental whilst you are having treatment?

Why are people fearful of the dentist?

• The sights, sounds and smells of a dentist
  For many simply the sights, sounds and clinical smells of a dentist can be enough to put them off. These people often also find hospitals difficult to deal with.
• Previous negative experience
  You may have had a bad experience in the past that has put you off going to the dentist. This may be due to a painful procedure, a phobia of needles, or even a personality conflict with the dentist or dental team.
• Unsympathetic dentists
  You may have had an experience with a dentist who was not sympathetic to your needs and concerns, and this has put you off going back to see a dentist.
• Embarrassed about the condition of your teeth and gums
  You may have neglected your oral health and your teeth over the years and are embarrassed about visiting your dentist for fear of what they might think or say to you. Many people fear that their dentist will ridicule or belittle them.
• Fear of dental instruments
  You may have a fear of dental instruments being placed in your mouth. This may trigger a gag reflex or cause an anxious feeling where you find it difficult to breathe.
• It may simply be a fear of the unknown.

Sedation dentistry services to put you at ease

The first step you can make in overcoming this fear is to recognise it and know that something can be done about it. There are several ways that Bow Lane Dental can help you overcome your anxieties:

• The dental button
• NuCalm
• Oral sedation with Tamazepam
• Intravenous sedation

Dr James Goolnik is a Dental Phobia Certified dentist.

Read more about our sedation options:

The dental button

The Dental Button is one of latest and most powerful ways to help lower your anxiety. Trials have proven to reduce fear and anxiety amongst patients who have undergone dental drilling procedures between 50%-80% on average.

The Dental Button is a device that literally gives control back to you. By pushing a button, you can stop the power supply to the dentist’s drill and therefore immediately stop dental treatment at any time.

The Dental Button is available to all patients at no additional charge. It is non-invasive, meaning no drugs with possible associated side effects. Ask for it today!

NuCalm

Developed by American neuroscientists, NuCalm is the latest technology to relax nervous patients and induces a state of deep relaxation even in highly anxious patients.

Using a system known as cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), NuCalm consists of a generator and a headset that transmits relaxing electrical and sound frequencies to the brain.

After about five minutes, brain waves have been shown to slow to a state that is associated with deep relaxation, meditation and sleep.

Patients are also asked to wear dark glasses and are given plant based tablets of a brain chemical called GABA – commonly available as a nutritional supplement – both of which deepen the calming effect.

Oral Sedation

This is a liquid, usually a form of Temazepam, that you drink around 30 minutes before your appointment. It helps relax you and makes your treatment more comfortable. Oral sedation works in two ways: as a sedative to make you feel sleepy and as an anti-anxiety medication to relieve anxiety. You will need someone to collect you at the end of the appointment.

Intravenous Sedation

For the most serious cases we can provide Intravenous Sedation. This is likened to general anesthesia, although you are not actually put to sleep.

The drugs prescribed produce either part or full memory loss (amnesia) during the period they take effect. Time will appear to pass quickly and you won’t recall much of what happened. It’s ideal for the most serious cases because quite literally you won’t be bothered by what is happening.

This may appear a dramatic route, however it is perfectly safe. You will be awake and able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist.

What can I do myself

It is important we understand your concerns before you carry out any treatments. Communicate your fears and concerns with us, ask us about the procedures to make you feel more settled, we are great listeners and deal with these issues on a daily basis.