Do you put off going to the dentist because you are anxious? Does your anxiety leave you so panic-stricken and terrified that you avoid dental treatment altogether? If so, you are not alone.
Every year, we help many 100s of NHS and private patients to overcome their dental fears and anxieties so that they can receive the treatment they need – be it an extraction, filling, implant, or even a simple check-up.
Led by Rhys Gabe, Sarah Tucker and John Cato, our anxious patient team are recognised as experts in the field, and many patients come to us on referral from other dentists across Devon and the South West. We are proud to say that our patients feel comforted and confident enough to come back on a regular basis.
Compassionate care
We understand the fear and anxiety that many feel at the thought of going to the dentist. We encourage all our patients to voice their fears and concerns, taking time to listen to your individual needs to help create an environment that will allow you to seek the care you need in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Conscious Sedation
Depending on your level of anxiety or phobia, you may require treatment with some form of sedation.
Dental or ‘conscious’ sedation doesn’t put you to sleep like a general anaesthetic but instead, puts you into a deeply relaxed state. As the name suggests, you are conscious throughout the treatment and able to talk with your dentist. The most common forms of sedation are:
Inhalation sedation – this involves breathing in a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen via a small mask which is placed just over your nose. It makes you feel calm and happy and is suitable for both adults and children.
Intravenous (IV) sedation – this is administered through a vein in your hand or arm. It makes you feel sleepy and helps you to remain relaxed during your appointment.
Before you start your treatment, we will see you for an assessment appointment so that you can get to know us and share your concerns with us. At this appointment we can discuss with you the type of treatment options available to you to provide you with the best care based on your individual requirements.
FAQ
General Anaesthetic, or being put to sleep, is only available in a hospital setting. Conscious sedation is the best option for dental treatment without having to go to hospital.
Most patients can have a light meal a couple of hours before their treatment appointment, but this will be discussed with you at your assessment appointment.
You may wish or need to bring someone with you to your appointments for emotional support. We actively support this.
If you feel conscious sedation is the best method of treatment, then you will require an escort to attend with you and the requirements for this will be fully discussed with you at your assessment appointment.
Mr Mills was kind, pleasant and reassuring, and explained everything to me, so that I knew what was going on every inch of the way. I can’t recommend him and his implant team highly enough.
Ms VG
Super helpful, friendly, clean, efficient and brilliant at informing us of procedures & treatment. We never feel rushed or have to wait too long. They have made the dentist experience a positive one for our children – who are always excited to go!
Ms HK
I would rate this dentist 1000 stars if I could! Everyone there is so friendly and smiley! I had my teeth done by John Cato and Paula and what can I say. Both of them made me feel so relaxed even though I normally hate the dentist they have made this all change! I couldn’t thank them both enough.
Ms P
It’s nearly two months since my treatment for an implanted bridge concluded and I could not be more pleased. The treatment was excellent, the care by Ian Mills and his team was superb and the teeth look fantastic.
Mr SM
Rhys Gabe is an incredible guy. After 30 odd years of avoiding the dentist through fear I actually now enjoy going thanks to this man. I cannot recommend him highly enough to nervous and anxious patients.
