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:
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.
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.
