ANXIOUS PATIENTS – NORTHMEAD DENTAL

FOR ANXIOUS PATIENTS

We welcome anxious patients to our practice. Whether you’ve had bad dental experiences, unnecessary pain or are embarrassed about your teeth, we will do our best to assess your situation and treat you as gently and compassionately as possible.

Unfortunately, dentistry doesn’t have the best reputation in being comfortable and gentle, hence many patients have had bad experiences and feel anxious when they have to visit the dentist.

At Northmead Dental, in addition to our experienced and caring practitioners we have several others that will make you more comfortable when you visit us. These can help overcome dental fears or phobias:

NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

We provide our patients with state-of-the-art Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones. These headphones are equipped with world-class noise cancellation technology that makes the noise of the drill and all other dental instruments quieter and takes your mind elsewhere with your favourite artist, album or podcast.

NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION (HAPPY GAS)

Nitrous oxide sedation has been used for many years in the dental and medical professions. Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, relative analgesia, RA and happy gas.

Nitrous oxide is simply a gas which you can breathe in. It has no colour, smell and doesn’t irritate. Nitrous oxide kills pain (not all pain!) and it induces a pleasurable feeling. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, you should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout your body. It really kind of feels like a ‘happy drunk’ feeling. Some people find that there are auditory or visual effects as well. You will feel a bit light headed and often people get ‘the giggles’ (hence the name laughing gas!).

ORAL SEDATION

Oral Sedation is slightly stronger than Happy Gas and it’s aim is for you to feel comfortable and truly relaxed before and during your dental treatment. Oral Sedatives in the form of a tablet or liquid is usually taken an hour before your dental appointment.

If you and your dentist decide that this is the right choice to lessen your anxiety, it is necessary for you to have someone drive you home and stay with you until the sedative wears off.

DENTAL EXAM & HYGIENE PROGRAM

Gentle care does not just mean pain free, it means listening, taking time, and addressing personal concerns and it starts the second you contact us. Everyone needs something different and if you need some extra time, space or advice we will always tailor your care to you and make the experience as positive as we can.

GENTLE CARE

As part of our cosmetic solutions we are highly experienced in crown and bridgework. Crowns create a cap over an existing tooth to reinforce and protect it, often after a root canal treatment. They are ideal for restoring any teeth that have been broken or weakened for various reasons, and can be made from materials such as ceramic, composite or precious metals.

A veneer is a thin covering usually over the front surface of your front these. These are best needed in situations where there is extensive staining or inadequate aesthetics of the front teeth. Veneers when done well look very natural and can last decades if maintained properly.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO IDENTIFY MY FEARS?

Our dentists are trained to discuss your phobias and fears in a comfortable and private environment. Understanding what it is about your dental visit that worries you the most will help us prepare you for any treatment ahead, as well as minimise the discomfort and the unexpected. If you have any strategies that you have used in the past to help make your visits more pleasant, please let your dentist know as we would be more than happy to adopt them to improve your experience.