If you have a fear of attending a dental check-up, chances are you will do almost anything to avoid getting into that chair.

While many patients who have a dental phobia assume that they are in some way unusual, our team at the Healthy Smile Centre treats patients every day who have dental phobias ranging in severity.

Of course, we just want to help!

If your concerns are due to previous experiences with an unsympathetic dental practitioner, or a feeling of intense discomfort following poorly managed dental examinations, we can help you to conquer your fear and get you to obtain a high level of oral health.

At The Healthy Smile Centre, we can offer our most nervous patients a range of management options, to make their trip to our dentist in Green Square less daunting. We want you to feel comfortable in our care and can suggest a variety of techniques to help you relax whilst in the dental chair.

Still convinced we cannot assuage your worries? Read on to learn how our dentist in Green Square helps even the most phobic of our dental patients.

Sedatives (prescribed)

If your concerns are mild to moderate, our dentist in Green Square may offer you a prescription-strength sedative.

This will help you to feel relaxed while our team examines your teeth. However, if you take any other medications, such as antidepressants, it is worth discussing the use of sedatives with your doctor, to ensure there are no counter-interactions.

When you attend The Healthy Smile Centre, if you are undertaking any sedative procedure, we must advise that you bring an age-appropriate friend or family member to escort you home afterward and keep an eye on you. We also advise against operating any heavy machinery for up to 48 hours after sedation.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

For our patients who have a more intense fear of dental check-ups and procedures, we are able to offer intravenous sedation.

Similar to sedatives, this injection will allow you to feel more relaxed while you are in the dental chair; you will not be unconscious, but will have no recollection of the procedure once it is over, however you will be able to respond to instructions given by our dental team.

Once again, it is vital that you discuss any medications that you are taking with both your doctor and our dental team, to ensure that this option is suitable for you to proceed with. And, just like before, you will need a trusted family member or friend to take you home once our team has finished their examination or procedure.

Anaesthetic

A general anaesthetic is also an option suitable for our phobic patients.

However, if you choose this option, your check-up or surgery will not take place at the Healthy Smile Centre dental surgery. Instead, it will be performed at a day surgery and you will be under the care of an anaesthesiologist’s team. This option will render you unconscious; better call up your best friend!

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.