Which option for dental anxiety or phobia is right for you?

We know dental anxiety is a real thing, and to many it is simply debilitating. For mild cases of dental fear, a caring gentle manner and our numbing wand may allay your concerns, for those that don’t like the sounds, we have headphones and a choice of Netflix programs for your appointment. Other items provided for your comfort include: stress balls, neck pillow and a luxurious blanket.

However, if the above doesn’t cut it, the following options may be for you:

 Oral Sedation involves your dentist prescribing anti-anxiety medication to help calm and relax you. You will need someone to drive you to and collect you from your appointment. It helps fade those fears and relax your body and mind, enabling you to sit through treatment in a nurturing cared for environment. Anti-anxiety medication is an option for most adults, and enables you to be treated in the dental chair at one of our Absolutely Dental practices. Oral Sedation is a budget friendly and effective way to complete your dental treatment in the chair. 

 IV Sedation is a pain free way to have dental treatment while you are in a dream like state and will still be able to respond to your dentist. This is carried out in house at our Lakes Practice. This allows your dentist to complete lengthy or unpleasant dental treatments in one appointment, avoiding the inconvenience of having to attend multiple dental appointments. IV Sedation is a mid priced option for patients with higher level fear or anxiety, sensitive teeth or a gag reflex.

 General Anaesthetic is when the patient has all treatment conducted while they sleep… waking having had your work completed in one appointment! It is available to almost all patients for a wide range of treatments, and is particularly suited to young children, who need extensive work done or multiple teeth extracted, to avoid the initiation of dental anxiety in the first place. It’s also common for special needs patients who are physically or intellectually unable to complete treatment in the dental chair. General anaesthetic is a higher priced option due to the fact that it’s carried out at the Mater Hospital.

Everyone is entitled to receive the dental treatment they need, and deserve. If fear is holding you back from having a healthy, functional, and/or socially confident pain free smile, give us a call and book a consultation today to discuss your anxiety management options.