Anxious Patients

Are you the type of person who avoids having dental work done because you have a strong aversion to dental treatment? If so, you are not alone. Many people are put off going to the dentist and this is usually due to underlying fears. Perhaps a bad dental experience as a child or a high gag reflex. Whatever the cause, we realize that the anxiety is real, and that it is our job to do what we can to alleviate it. For some, a gentle calming manner is sufficient, though others require something more.  It is now time to relax; we have a number of ways to allay your fears.

• The Wand, syringe free dental anaesthetic system
• The Velopex Aquacut, drill free dentistry.
• Intravenous Sedation

The Wand

We know that some patients get more nervous than others at the mere sight of a needle and syringe. That's where the Wand - a small lightweight handpiece that resembles a pen. The computer controlled system allows for an even-flow delivery of anesthetic in a very comfortable, non-threatening manner.

The Wand uses a unique new technology, which is unlike any other. The wand uses a small hand piece that looks like a pen. This system gives a low pressure supply of anaesthetic in a slow comfortable manner.

It eliminates the potential "bee sting" effect - the painful consequence from a surge of fluid into a confined tissue area. Even more, certain techniques made possible with the Wand minimize the unnecessary numbness of the tongue, cheek, and face. If you have needle phobia then The Wand is the perfect solution for you.

Velopex Aqua-Cut, air abrasion unit

How Does Air Abrasion Work?
During air abrasion, an instrument that works like a mini sandblaster is used to spray away decay: a fine stream of particles is aimed at the decayed portion of the tooth. These particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture and are propelled toward the tooth surface by compressed air that runs through the special dental handpiece. Small particles of decay on the tooth surface are removed as the stream of particles strikes them. The particles of decay are then "suctioned" away.

• Air abrasion generates no heat, sound, pressure, or vibration.
• Air abrasion reduces the need for anesthesia, particularly if the cavity is shallow. For deeper cavities, the air and abrasive powders man cause some sensitivity.

Dental Sedation

With sedation dentistry, your treatment wil be performed more comfortably than you ever thought possible. Intravenous conscious sedation is a very safe technique that uses the drug Midazolam. Used in an amount carefully adjusted to your needs, you will be conscious but very drowsy and unaware of time passing by. Also, because you will be completely comfortable, it is possible to carry out many different treatments in one or two visits. Ian Brignall is fully trained in the administration of sedation, and is a member of SAAD ( Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry) though depending on the individual case, he sometimes also works with a visiting specialist anaesthetist who administers the sedation whilst Ian performs the treatment. We are also able to offer inhalation sedation to our adult patients, using a calming mix of gas and air."

	Miles Atkinson in his surgery

Not all anxious patients of course need sedation and the calm relaxing manner of our dentists allows most patients to complete treatment without sedation. Miles Atkinson in particular excels at dealing with the most nervous of patients. 

Due to some medical conditions, dental sedation may not be suitable for everyone. However it may be just the thing for you if you suffer from any of the following:  

• Dental anxiety
• Dental phobias for example the fear of needles
• Previous traumatic experience
• Gag reflex

Anxious patients find that dentistry under sedation offers a perfect solution for maintaining good oral care whilst being in a totally relaxed state.

Sedation is also available for children. For detailed information please see the children's sedation page 

Dr Miles Atkinson is a Dental Phobia Certified dentist Click Here to verify.