Anxious Patients
At Super Smiles Dental we understand that some patients can have deep anxiety when visiting the dentist. Studies show more than 50% of the population avoid attending the dentist due to their fear and anxiety of the dentist. So do not be worried if you feel that you may be the only patient who is fearful. Every day our oral health professionals are attending to patients who admit to fearing the dentist. Our oral health professionals adjust to each patient’s requests and anxieties in order to make the experience as comfortable and tranquil as possible. In addition to our outstanding patient service, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation is also known as laughing gas or happy gas. It is commonly prescribed to children and adults alike in order to reduce their anxiety of dental treatment. It is safe and easy to prescribe, simply by breathing in the gas through the nasal attachment. It is a form of conscious sedation, where the patient is still awake but feel much calmer. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive and therefore a lot of patients commonly use it for all treatment.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is also known as sleep dentistry or twilight dentistry. Patients’ are induced into a deep sleep-like sedation and the treatment is carried out in this state. After the sedation, patients do not remember what happened or feel any pain during or after the procedure. It is unlike a general anaesthesia procedure where patients are placed in a hospital setting and kept overnight. Rather this is undertaken within the dental practice, however, patients need to bring in a partner/ friend to take them home since they are not allowed to drive themselves. It is the ideal procedure for patients undergoing any form of minor oral surgery or who have high dental anxiety.
Are you an anxious dental patient? You're not alone! Dental anxiety is common, but it can be a problem if it stops you from visiting the dentist and looking after your oral health. So, to help you better understand what causes dental anxiety and how you can manage it, here's a rundown of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
What is dental anxiety?
It's a fear of visiting the dentist. You might feel nervous or uneasy about attending your appointment, or it could be so disabling that you can't even think about dental work without experiencing intense panic.
Who can suffer from dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety can affect anyone, even people who've never had a problem visiting the dentist before! It affects people of all ages, and there's absolutely no reason to be embarrassed about it.
How common is dental anxiety?
It's really common. In fact, over 50 per cent of Australians have put off dental work at some point because they're anxious about it.
In other words, we're used to working with anxious dental patients and putting your mind at ease.
What causes dental anxiety?
Honestly, there's no "one" cause. It can be a fear of:
- Needles
- Pain
- Feeling helpless or vulnerable
- The unknown
Most often, dental anxiety occurs when someone has a traumatic procedure that puts them off visiting again.
What are the dental anxiety symptoms and signs?
It manifests in a few ways, but here are the most common signs:
- Losing sleep the night before a checkup or dental procedure
- Feeling agitated or restless in the waiting room
- Breathlessness, a rapid heartbeat or sweating
- Feeling sick at the thought of visiting the dentist
How do you communicate with an anxious patient?
We'll talk you through the procedure if this helps, and we'll go over any concerns you have. Your wellbeing is our top priority, and we'll do what we can to ease your dental anxiety.
How does dental anxiety affect oral health?
Anxious dental patients might postpone essential treatment or fail to schedule checkups. This can result in tooth decay and other oral problems that require more extensive treatment because they've been left unchecked for so long.
In other words, regular dental appointments and assessments like x-rays can reduce the need for invasive procedures in the long run!
How can you overcome your fear of the dentist?
First, talk to us. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and ready for your appointment.
Distract yourself with a book or some music in the waiting room, and consider meditating or practising mindfulness techniques before your visit.
Don't let dental anxiety damage your oral health – contact us to discuss any concerns you have and book an appointment today.
What options are available for an anxious patient?
Our oral health professionals adjust to each patient’s requests and anxieties in order to make the experience as comfortable and tranquil as possible. In addition to our outstanding patient service, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation.