It's a time most people don’t look forward to.
A message appears on your phone and it's a dental check-up reminder.
And while most people will simply shrug and book the appointment, for a significant minority of dental patients, this is more than a routine examination. It is the source of severe anxiety which can cause them to skip dental check-ups year after year, leading to a worsening of underlying dental issues.
At Bramingham Dental, our dentist in Luton knows all there is to know about dental phobias and our team has set out to make our clinic as welcoming and accommodating as possible. If you have concerns over dental check-ups, please feel free to talk to our friendly reception team and we will make it our mission to help you feel as relaxed as possible in the dental chair.
But what are some of the ways that our dentist in Luton can help you to relax when you visit us? Read on to find out.
Communication
As obvious as it sounds, when it comes to talking about dental phobias and concerns, communication is key.
And if your concerns are on the more minor side, our dentist in Luton will take the time to listen to your anxieties and reassure you. We are dental professionals, we are not here to judge the condition of your teeth, but simply want to get your dental health back on track.
Also, concerning being in the dental chair, we can work with you to devise a set of non-vocal signals which will alert our team that you need to take a break from any treatments or procedures. Perfect!
Distraction
If you are like many dental patients, the sound of the dental drill can send you into a bit of a panic.
And while the drills we use at our practice are as quiet as they can be, we are also able to offer you distractions while you undertake your treatment with us. Should you wish to listen to music, a guided meditation or your favourite audio book while you are in the dental chair, just let us know and we will be happy to accommodate you.
Inhalation sedation
Most people have heard of laughing gas and when it comes to relaxing during a dental check-up, this is one of the best options we can provide.
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask at the start of the treatment. This will help you to feel very relaxed and giggly (hence why it is called laughing gas) but will leave you conscious enough to respond to instructions from our dental team.
Once the mask is removed, you may feel a little bit dizzy, but you should be able to go about your day as usual afterwards. If at any point after this kind of sedation you feel unwell or dizzy, seek urgent medical attention.
Intravenous sedation
For a more removed experience, we can also offer intravenous (IV) sedation, which is administered via a drip in your arm.
This will once again allow you to feel relaxed but you will be responsive. Should you opt for this kind of sedation, you will need to have an age-appropriate, responsible family member or friend to escort you home afterwards and you will not be able to operate heavy machinery for 24 hours.
Once again, if you feel unwell after this kind of sedation, seek medical help.