Anxious Patients

Are you the type of person who avoids having dental work done because you have a strong aversion to dental treatment? If so, you are not alone. Many people are put off going to the dentist and this is usually due to underlying fears. Perhaps a bad dental experience as a child or a high gag reflex. Whatever the cause, we realize that the anxiety is real, and that it is our job to do what we can to alleviate it. For some, a gentle calming manner is sufficient, though others require something more.  It is now time to relax- Dental sedation is here.

With sedation dentistry, your treatment will be performed more comfortably than you ever thought possible. Intravenous conscious sedation is a very safe technique that uses the drug Midazolam. Used in an amount carefully adjusted to your needs, you will be conscious but very drowsy and unaware of time passing by. Also, because you will be completely comfortable, it is possible to carry out many different treatments in one or two visits. Ian Brignall is fully trained in the administration of sedation, and is a member of SAAD ( Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry) though depending on the individual case, he sometimes also works with a visiting specialist anaesthetist who administers the sedation whilst Ian performs the treatment. 

	Miles Atkinson in his surgery

Not all anxious patients of course need sedation and the calm relaxing manner of our dentists allows most patients to complete treatment without sedation. Miles Atkinson in particular excels at dealing with the most nervous of patients. 

Due to some medical conditions, dental sedation may not be suitable for everyone. However it may be just the thing for you if you suffer from any of the following:  

• Dental anxiety
• Dental phobias for example the fear of needles
• Previous traumatic experience
• Gag reflex

Anxious patients find that dentistry under sedation offers a perfect solution for maintaining good oral care whilst being in a totally relaxed state.