Dental fear is a reaction to a known danger. For instance, you may have had a tooth removed, experienced some pain in the process and therefore worry about experiencing it again.

Dental phobia is similar to dental fear but more severe. It is also often the product of a bad past experience. For some people dental phobia can be so crippling that just seeing a toothpaste advert or passing a dental surgery in a car or on foot can cause distress.

Visiting the dentist when you have a phobia

If you're in need of dental treatment or just keen to register for the future, the first stage is to find a suitable dentist who can help with your phobia. The Osborne Dental Practice has over 20 years of experience in providing care for patients who have dental fear and dental phobia.

We understand that many people suffer with dental problems and it is the fear of the dentist that prevents them from seeking help. We can offer a sedation service that will help you overcome the fear and receive the treatment you need in comfort.

We offer both Inhalation Sedation and Intravenous Sedation.

Inhalation Sedation (Happy air)

Your child will be offered inhalation sedation to help him/her relax whilst having dental treatment. This involves breathing what we call “happy air” (nitrous oxide and oxygen) through a small nose mask. Your child will not go to sleep, but they will feel more relaxed and able to cope better with dental treatment.

The use of “happy air” has been shown to be a good alternative to a general anaesthetic, (putting your child to sleep). This is the reason for offering you this service. Some very small children who are unable to co-operate will need a general anaesthetic, as “happy air” is unsuitable.

The dentist looking after your child will first try the small nose mask and introduce them to the “happy air”, explaining to them how it will make them feel. Once they are comfortable and relaxed the treatment will be commenced. If at any stage the dentist feels that your child is unhappy with the treatment, it will be stopped. Your child can stop the treatment at any time if they so wish.

It may be necessary for your child to have an extra visit before any treatment is done so they are comfortable with the “happy air” technique.

Please feel free to ask the dentist if you have any queries, as we are always pleased to help.

Instructions for children having “happy air”

• Your child should have a light meal at least 2 hours before the appointment. Water can also be drunk up to 2 hours before the appointment.
• A parent should accompany the child to the appointment.
• We strongly advise that you do NOT use public transport for going home, you must make your own arrangements for returning home, a private car or taxi is advised.
• Children should rest at home quietly after treatment. They should not use bicycles, drive vehicles or play outside for the rest of the day.
• A responsible adult must accompany children at all times after treatment
  

 Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation is used at this practice to carry out routine dental treatment on very anxious patients, as well as minor surgical procedures [i.e. removal of wisdom teeth].

Intravenous sedation is administered by an injection in the arm or back of the hand. This has the effect of relaxing you and enables the dentist to carry out the rest of your treatment .You will still require local anaesthetic for your dental treatment even under sedation.

The dentist will take a detailed medical history before carrying out the procedure, and also explain what will happen. Please let the dentist know of any medical conditions or of any medication you are currently taking.
Sedation does not put you to sleep,it just helps you to relax.You will remain conscious throughout the treatment but you may not rembember very much afterwards.

Pre- operative instructions.

• Do have your regular meals before the appointment.
• Bring a responsible adult with you to take you home by car or taxi.
• Inform the dentist of any medication you have taken.
• Bring the signed consent form.
  

Post operative instructions.

• You may feel drowsy after the treatment, therefore, you will be required to stay in the recovery room until the dentist discharges you.
• You must rest and not perform any physically demanding work.
• You must not drive or operate any machinery.
• You must not consume any alcohol after sedation.
• You must contact the surgery if any problems arise. 

 

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