Useful Information for Nervous Dental Patients.
Are you anxious about seeing a dentist?
Dental nerves are very common there are many reason as to why going to the dentist causes so much anxiety, knowing the reasons and the fact that you are not alone.
If you’re extremely nervous, you could ask your dentist to refer you to an NHS sedation clinic. These clinics are specifically for nervous dental patients. Please do check if you qualify for this service.
Some people only need simple inhalation sedation and find this very helpful to relax them for dental treatment. This is similar to gas and air given during childbirth however, instead of being delivered through a mask it comes through a nosepiece.
You may be offered sedative tablets to take by mouth before your appointment.
For very nervous patients you may prefer sedation through an injection into your hand or arm (intravenously) during treatment. This won’t send you to sleep, you will still be awake and able to talk to the dentist however, this will calm and relax you so you may not remember much of the process.
If you don’t want to go for the sedation option you may want to try and find an understanding dentist. Ask friends and family to recommend someone or look online for someone who specialises in treating anxious patients. Once you you’ve found someone you think may be suitable arrange a visit to the surgery to have a look around, meet the receptionist and dentist and see the environment. Notify the dentist that you’re anxious and what your concerns are, so they know before you go for treatment,
It may be useful to pick an appointment in the morning so you have less time to think about the visit to the dentist. The first appointment is generally just a check-up and chat about any treatment you may need and this is an opportunity for you to meet you dentist and discuss our concerns.
Most dentist are experience and skilled in dealing with all type of patients so whatever option you decide you should feel confident that you dentist will want you to feel secure and comfortable.