Help for Anxious Patients at Chatswood Dental Associates
Whether due to the sound of the drill, the sight of dental instruments, fear of pain, or past negative experiences, you may experience dental anxiety. You’re definitely not alone as this is a common concern for many people.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety refers to the fear or nervousness some people feel when they think about visiting the dentist. This anxiety can range from mild unease to debilitating fear, causing individuals to delay or avoid necessary dental care altogether. It’s understandable to feel apprehensive. Now for the good news: there are numerous techniques to ensure your dental visits are as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
How We May Help
We offer a variety of sedation dentistry options designed to help you relax and feel at ease during your appointment. These include the following:
Nitrous Oxide
This option is a conservative and popular choice for calming nerves and dulling sensations. The effect starts almost immediately upon using the nosepiece and wears off quickly once removed. Side effects are rare but can include mild nausea. You will be able to drive an hour afterwards and resume normal activities soon after your appointment.
Oral Sedatives
Need a bit more relaxation? Oral sedatives are taken before your appointment and can make you feel lightheaded or sleepy. The effects last longer, so you may need someone to drive you to and from your visit, depending on the sedative and dosage used.
Sleep Dentistry
Prefer to blissfully sleep through your procedure? We can arrange for a specialist to administer sedative medication through an IV. You will simply fall asleep, and when you wake up, the procedure will be over, with no memory of the experience. Like oral sedatives, you’ll need a driver, and it’s important not to operate heavy machinery for 24 hours afterward. Someone will also have to accompany you during the initial period as the effect will last for some hours.
Technologies to Make Treatment Comfortable
Because modern dental treatments should be as gentle as possible, our practice offers advanced technologies to make your visits smoother and quicker. With the KEY Laser 3, we can reduce the need for anaesthetics while ensuring precise treatment. The Wand helps make injections virtually painless by delivering a slow, steady flow of anaesthetic.
Additionally, Injex provides a needleless anaesthetic option for certain procedures, making the process even more comfortable. However, it’s important to note that Injex can’t be used in the back of the mouth due to the angle. It also makes a loud noise when triggered.
Get the Comfortable Dental Care You Deserve
Delaying regular dental checkups and cleanings due to anxiety can lead to more serious dental issues down the line. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can prevent more complex treatments and maintain good oral health. Contact Chatswood Dental Associates today to book an appointment.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.