Here at the spa, if someone is very anxious, I tend to be referred to, as I am experienced in helping and treating people who have dental anxiety and phobia, as well as those with special needs.
My approach is to be as friendly and approachable as I can possibly be. My aim is to treat you as I would like to be treated myself.
Having once suffered from a phobia (of driving !) myself, I understand the fear, anxiety and even shame experienced by sufferers.
Sometimes all it takes is some more Tender Loving Care (TLC), and a nice chat with a friendly dentist who understands you.
After our chat, if you are still feeling anxious at the prospect of active treatment, I can prescribe medication to relieve the common symptoms of anxiety. A dry mouth, a racing heartbeat, a churning stomach and sweaty palms can be counteracted by a simple, low dose, non-sedating medication.
If this is not quite enough to improve your anxiety, I can prescribe a mild sedative that you take here under supervision at the practice. This is usually enough to help you accept treatment, although you will need to be accompanied by a friend. This is because you will need to avoid driving or operating machinery until the effects of the medicine wear off.
Failing that, we have colleagues in another specialist practice to whom I can refer you, for a deeper sedation under the care of a consultant .
The important thing to remember is that there will always be something that I can do to make your teeth, mouth and smile healthier. I can help you to feel better, even if you feel you have been “written off” by everyone else.
Aoife O’Donoghue