Things most dental surgeries can offer to help you relax
Today, there are many things that can be gained by a trip to your local dental surgery, such as whitening or other cosmetic procedures. But, up to 70% of all dental patients report feeling a heightened level of anxiety before they even get into the dental chair.
When you suffer from a dental phobia, you are willing to withstand an immense amount of discomfort in order to avoid that check-up. While this is detrimental to your oral health, your mental health also suffers, creating a spiral of anxiety.
Luckily, dentists in Soho and nationwide are aware of how common it is for people to suffer from dental related anxieties and many offer a range of different techniques to help you relax.
Here is a list of services to enquire about when you book that first dental check-up with your new dentists in London.
Distraction techniques
Many dental practices are happy to offer nervous patients a range of distraction-based techniques, to draw attention away from the work they are doing on your mouth.
These techniques may involve listening to music on headphones, watching a television show on a suspended television overhead or listening to an EBook.
Open communication
When you are nervous, ask if it is possible to meet with a dental professional before any clinical work is performed, so you can get to know them and talk about ways to communicate throughout your procedures.
Many dental practitioners can advise you on how to signal to them when you need a break or want them to stop, so this chat can be worthwhile before you get into the chair.
Sedation
If you are more anxious and need a bit more help, many dental surgeries can offer you sedation.
There are commonly two types used in the UK for anxious patients;
Inhalation sedation
Once called ‘laughing gas’, inhalation sedation involves breathing in nitrous oxide, which will allow you to relax and be responsive enough to respond to dental requests, such as opening your mouth.
Once the procedure is completed, you will have minimal if any recollection of it and will be able to go about your day normally, although you may feel a little bit drowsy.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Prior to intravenous sedation, you will need to ensure you have a responsible family member or friend to take you home and keep an eye on you for 24 hours afterwards.
You must not drive for 24 hours afterwards or operate any heavy machinery.
A simple injection is administered to your arm and you will become deeply sedated, allowing the dental team to work on your teeth while you rest. Afterwards, you will not be able to recall the procedure and will therefore have no related anxieties.
IV sedation is more suited to people with complex cases of dental anxiety, such as being anxious at the sounds, smells and appearance of the dental surgery.
