The dental team at Admiral House cares greatly about the work we do. We carefully review all your treatment options with you and decide on your treatment together. We want our patients’ complete confidence in the quality of all treatments big and small and we believe that trust comes from information.
We Cater to Nervous or Anxious Patients
Over our years of service, we have met many patients who are nervous about coming in for dental visits. It is perfectly normal and we will be the first to recognise that coming in for dental treatment can be a fear for some.
We are prepared for patients who feel anxious about sitting in the dental chair. We have compiled this FAQ about how our practice cares for nervous patients:
Yes! Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they avoid dental treatment altogether. Today’s dentists are sympathetic and recognise that some patients experience real anxiety. Dentists now have techniques and approaches to help minimise your apprehension. If you check dental websites you will find several dentists who specifically mention treatment for anxious patients. Modern dentistry is very customer-focused and as such, a range of sedation and relaxation techniques are used to help anxious patients overcome their fears.
An effective way to treat the most nervous of patients is via intravenous sedation (injection). The drugs have a relaxing and calming effect but do not prevent communication between dentist and patient so treatment can still be carried out easily.
Weight, age, and medical status must be assessed before a patient can elect sedation. This is discussed during the consultation with the dentist. Usually, the patient needs to be referred to a specialist clinic for this treatment.
Whilst IV sedation makes you drowsy and unaware of the treatment you are undergoing, you remain lucid enough to communicate and cooperate with the dental team. The effects of the sedative take time to wear off and you will not be able to drink alcohol, drive, or work machinery following your dental treatment.
Someone must help you get home after treatment and keep a careful eye on you for some time afterward. Your dentist will tell you how long it will be before the drugs are completely clear from your body.
You may feel relaxed by relative analgesia, sometimes known as inhalation sedation. This means breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (laughing gas) which quickly leads to a pleasant, relaxed feeling. At the same time, your dentist puts you at ease with calming conversation.
Relative analgesia may make you feel a little drowsy, but you remain conscious throughout any treatment given without discomfort. You breathe in the mixture through a nosepiece, inhaling as though it is an ordinary breath. You cannot overdose on the gas as the mixture quickly leaves your body if you breathe in one or two breaths of ordinary air.
There are no after-effects and you can drive a car about 15 minutes later. Relative analgesia is a safe and effective technique used by many dentists.
It is highly likely! As you get to know and trust your dentist, hygienist, and the other members of the dental team at our practice, your fears will dampen. In time you will come to see your regular visit to the dentist as just another part of your normal life.
MEET OUR TEAM
Wendy started her career as a dental nurse in 1981. She went on to become a dental receptionist at our dentist in Berkhamsted and has never looked back. She has joined Admiral House recently and thoroughly enjoys her job, especially meeting people and belonging to her work family. Wendy relishes walks with her dog (Hector)…
Leah joined admiral house dentist in Berkhamsted in 2016, where she trained and subsequently gained her nursing qualification in 2018. She is a valued member of the team with various responsibilities. Leah is very creative and enjoys spending time with her 3 young children to whom she has passed on her artistic skills. She has…
Marie has worked at Admiral House for 10 years this November. She has nursed for Vik for all 10 years which she thoroughly enjoys as they make a good team. Marie is happily married to husband Gary and between them they have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. Marie’s hobbies are knitting soft toys and travelling…
Clare has worked at Admiral House Dental Practice since 2009 after working at another practice in Chesham for 20 years previously. She has nursed for Katherine for 9 years and has enjoyed every moment. She lives in Leighton Buzzard with her husband Tony and has two cats. She is also qualified as a Rahanni Healing…
Bio coming soon.
Georgia gained her diploma in dental hygiene and therapy at King’s College Hospital in 2009. She is a very personable and professional hygienist with 12 years of experience working in private and mixed practices, treating highly demanding cases of gum disease. Georgia enjoys reading, gardening and long walks in the countryside. In her spare time, she is…
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are pleased with the care and treatment you receive from our practice, feel free to recommend us to others. We are always happy to welcome new patients to our Berkhamsted dental practice.
BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY
If you would like to make an appointment, please fill out the form below. Alternatively, you can call (01442) 863204 or email the practice at [email protected] and we will be pleased to arrange a convenient time for you.
