Calm Your Fears With Dental Sedation

 

Do you feel nervous or anxious before visiting your dentist? Or does your fear of dental treatment prevent you from seeing your dentist altogether? 

 

If you answered yes to the above, have you ever considered Dental Sedation? It can help anxious patients who would otherwise struggle to sit through dental visits to have a more comfortable experience and restore their confidence in their dentist. 

 

Continue reading this blog post to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can help alleviate your fears of the dentist.

 

What is Sedation Dentistry?

 

Dental Sedation, also known as Conscious Sedation, is a technique dentists use to help anxious patients feel more relaxed during their dental treatment. Unlike general anaesthesia, which puts you to sleep, dental sedation allows you to stay conscious throughout the procedure and follow your dentist’s direction. For safety reasons, general anaesthesia can only be administered in a hospital setting. 

 

Sedation dentistry is particularly useful for surgical treatments such as root canals, wisdom tooth extractions, or dental implants, but it can also be used for simpler procedures if you have  dental phobia. 

 

Although dentistry has made significant advancements in recent years, making it less invasive and pain-free for many of our patients, conscious sedation can provide an additional layer of comfort and support for those who need it.

 

What is Dental Phobia?

 

‘Dental phobia is the fear of visiting a dentist and receiving treatments. To many sufferers, this also includes everything else that’s associated with dentistry, including the tools a dentist uses, and even the atmosphere in the clinic’ (Anxiety UK).

 

How Do You Feel Under Dental Sedation?

 

Dental sedation is a helpful technique that can reduce anxiety, discomfort, and pain during dental treatments. 

 

Under sedation, you will feel relaxed and drowsy, and time will pass by quickly. Afterwards, many patients have little memory of the appointment. This can aid in breaking the fear cycle that may have been built due to negative past experiences and help you feel more confident about visiting the dentist. 

 

Conscious sedation is also an analgesic which helps relieve pain. Fear of the treatment hurting is one of the main reasons why people are scared of going to the dentist. By reducing the pain, sedation can help build confidence and better feelings towards dental visits. 

 

How is Sedation Dentistry Performed?

 

There are two main types of dental sedation available: inhalation sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. 

 

Inhalation sedation, also known as “gas and air,” involves breathing in medication through a nasal mask. This type of sedation wears off quickly after removing the mask and is an excellent option for those who are afraid of needles. 

 

Alternatively, intravenous sedation is administered through an IV line in the back of your hand or arm. It is one of the most potent types of sedation that a dentist can provide. Throughout the procedure, the sedation dentist and their team will monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety. The effects of this type of sedation can last for several hours after the procedure, so it’s essential to have a chaperone who can take you home safely.

 

“How Do I Know If My Dentist Offers Sedation?”

 

Not every dentist in Bristol offers sedation as it requires additional training to ensure patient safety. To find out if your dentist offers dental sedation, it’s best to call the reception team or check their website. You’ll typically find this service listed under the “treatments” or “anxious patients” section.

 

At The Bristol Dental Practice, we provide sedation for many patients who feel nervous about their appointments. That said, before administering sedation, we must schedule a consultation with you to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. If you know you’d like sedation, please allow enough time before your appointment for us to book you in for a consultation.

 

During the consultation, our sedation dentist will review your health and medical history to ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. We’ll then add it to your file for future appointments.

 

Meet Our Sedation Dentist 

 

Dr Jonathan Cochrane is the Principal Dentist at The Bristol Dental Practice and is considered one of the leading dentists in the South West. He completed a Certificate in Conscious Sedation at UCL’s Eastman Dental Institute in 2017. With his expertise, Dr Cochrane has been able to transform the dental experience for many of our patients who previously had bad experiences. This has improved their dental health and changed their lives for the better.

 

“My Dentist Doesn’t Offer Sedation”

 

If your dentist in Bristol does not offer sedation, you can refer yourself to our practice for your upcoming treatment. Check out our referrals section to learn more about the process. 

 

On the other hand, if you think you will require sedation for most of your appointments, you can register with our practice in Bristol. We always welcome new patients to our practice and would be delighted to have you onboard. To make the move, please feel free to contact us today.

 

Are You Scared of the Dentist? Try Conscious Sedation 

 

If you’re someone who feels anxious about visiting the dentist, we have a solution for you – conscious sedation. You can reach out to our Bristol team today or book a consultation online. 

 

We are a weekend dentist and have availability on Saturdays and Sundays (by appointment only) to accommodate your busy schedule. 

 

Don’t delay your dental visit any longer. Come see us and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable and confident during your appointment, leaving you with a healthy and beautiful smile.

 

Phone: 0117 910 5929

Address: 1 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JQ