Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. The thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair can stir feelings of unease or even outright fear. Dental anxiety is incredibly common, with studies showing that nearly half of the adult population experience some level of apprehension about dental visits. For some, this anxiety can be so intense that it leads to delayed or avoided care, and ultimately compromised oral health.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we believe that no one should have to endure unnecessary stress in order to achieve a healthy smile. We prioritise your comfort and well-being, and that’s why we offer expert sedation services to make your visit to the dentist as smooth and anxiety-free as possible.
When administered by a trained specialist, conscious sedation can completely transform your dental experience. Whether you’re undergoing a complex procedure or simply feeling overwhelmed by the idea of being in the dentist’s chair, conscious sedation helps to eliminate discomfort and calm nerves. With our support, even the most anxious patients can feel at ease.
In this blog, we’ll explore why choosing a dental sedation specialist is crucial for your safety and peace of mind if you are an anxious patient. From understanding how sedation works to the benefits of expert care, we’ll show you how conscious sedation can turn a dreaded dental visit into a positive, stress-free experience.
Understanding Dental Sedation
Dental sedation can be a game-changer for those individuals who struggle with anxiety or discomfort when visiting the dentist. It can help provide a calm and relaxed state for patients and ensures that necessary dental care can be delivered in the most comfortable way possible.
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental Sedation involves using medication to help patients feel at ease during dental procedures. Although patients remain conscious, they’ll enter a deeply relaxed state that still allows them to follow instructions from their dentist without experiencing any stress.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered through a small needle in the back of the hand. IV sedation is the most powerful and predictable method and creates a drowsy, dreamlike state for the patient.
Under IV sedation, patients can often feel as though time passes quickly, with little to no memory of the procedure afterwards. Additionally, there’s no lingering grogginess or “hangover” feeling, making it the optimal choice for many.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation?
Sedation is ideal for those patients who face significant challenges when it comes to their dental care. This can include:
- Dental Phobia: Individuals with a deep, paralysing fear of dental visits or procedures.
- Complex Procedures: Lengthy or intricate treatments, such as oral surgery or multiple restorations. With sedation, these can be managed with ease.
- Difficulty Sitting Still: Patients with conditions like ADHD or physical discomfort that make extended time in the chair challenging.
- Sensitive Gag Reflex or Low Pain Tolerance: Sedation can minimise discomfort for those with heightened sensitivities.
Why Expertise Matters
While dental sedation offers a range of benefits, it requires the skill and training of a qualified specialist to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Conscious sedation is not available in every clinic, as it demands specific qualifications and experience. IV sedation requires continuous monitoring to maintain the patient’s comfort and well-being throughout the procedure.
Dr Jonathan Cochrane Dr Rob Endicott
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we are proud to offer a high level of expertise in sedation dentistry. Our principal dentist, Dr Jonathan Cochrane, has completed an extensive year-long training program in conscious sedation at the renowned Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL) in London. His patients benefit from careful, attentive care, and are supported by dental nurses who have undertaken additional qualifications and training in conscious sedation to ensure every aspect of the process is managed with professionalism and care.
Additionally, Dr. Rob Endicott, a highly experienced sedation specialist, brings unparalleled expertise to the practice. With thousands of successful sedation procedures under his belt, Dr Endicott has retired from clinical dentistry and now dedicates himself exclusively to providing sedation services at The Bristol Dental Practice and across the UK. He works alongside our team to deliver anxiety-free care, helping even the most nervous patients feel at ease.
Our dedication to specialised training and patient-focused care ensures that your sedation experience at The Bristol Dental Practice is not only smooth and stress-free but also held to the highest standards of safety and quality.
FAQs
What Does Sedation Feel Like?
Patients remain conscious and aware throughout the procedure, allowing them to communicate with us and share how comfortable they feel. However, most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterwards. This means that throughout the experience they feel deeply relaxed and at ease, ensuring they have a stress-free experience.
How Long is Sedation Effective For?
The effect of sedation is around for as long as necessary but is most effective during the first 30 minutes of administration. However, it can be safely extended with small incremental doses as needed for the duration of the procedure. While the sedative wears off relatively quickly, patients may feel drowsy for up to 24 hours afterwards.
For safety reasons, patients are advised not to:
- Drive a vehicle
- Operate machinery
- Cook or use a kettle
- Sign any legal documents
These precautions ensure a smooth recovery and minimise any potential risks associated with lingering drowsiness.
How Can I Prepare for Dental Sedation?
To ensure a safe and smooth experience with conscious sedation, we ask patients to follow these important guidelines:
- Bring an adult chaperon who can accompany you and ensure you get home safely after your appointment
- Avoid eating within two hours of your appointment
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes for stability and ease
- Choose a short-sleeved shirt – this allows us to monitor your blood pressure and administer the sedative drug with ease.
- Remove nail varnish or false fingernails from at least two fingers. This is necessary for the finger monitor we use during conscious sedation to accurately check your heart rate and oxygen saturation levels, as the device cannot function through nail varnish.
These simple steps help ensure your procedure is as safe, comfortable and efficient as possible.
Conclusion
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we understand that dental anxiety can be a barrier when it comes to maintaining your oral health. That’s why we’re committed to providing expert sedation dentistry tailored to your individual needs. With the help of our highly trained team, including specialists with extensive experience in conscious sedation, you can enjoy a calm, comfortable dental experience that prioritises your well-being every step of the way.