Do you worry about visiting the dentist? Our dentists in Mount Lawley are sympathetic and experienced in helping people of all ages to overcome their fears, so you don't have to miss out on important dental care.
Are you due for your routine dental check-up, or worried you might have a problem with your teeth or gums but feel nervous about visiting the dentist? Dental anxiety is a common fear that's thought to affect as many as 1 in 7 people, but it doesn't have to stop you from getting important dental care.
Our caring and understanding team at Mount Lawley Dental have extensive experience working with anxious patients. We can discuss a range of coping strategies and sedation options to help you feel calm and confident about your visit.
For more information or to book an appointment with our dental anxiety dentists in Mount Lawley, call us today on (08) 9227 8777 or make an online booking.
Dental fear can be based on many things, which are not always obvious. You or a loved one may have had bad experiences with a dentist or other healthcare provider in the past, or anxiety may be linked to other fears or concerns, such as:
Our dental anxiety dentists in Mount Lawley will discuss your specific concerns so we can plan your treatment to avoid triggers and help you to feel comfortable during your time appointmentat our clinic.
Dental anxiety can lead to a lifetime of poor oral health and other associated health risks if it causes you to avoid routine check-ups or treatments. Minor problems that could be spotted and treated at an early stage can develop into more complex issues, resulting in pain or permanent damage.
Dental anxiety can also be a self-perpetuating cycle. If your only experiences of dentistry dentists tend to involve intensive and costly treatments, or guilt for not having sought care sooner, these feelings can worsen. At Mount Lawley Dental, we can help you to break this vicious cycle and develop a more positive outlook about dentistry and preventive care.
Every day, our empathetic dentists in Mount Lawley help people of all ages to manage their anxiety and get through their appointments. We can recommend a variety of methods and coping strategies tailored to your individual needs, including:
Good communication
We encourage you to ask any questions you have before your appointment so we can put your mind at ease and give you an idea of what to expect. We'll discuss your feelings so we can plan your visit to avoid certain anxiety triggers or make other accommodations. We can also establish a hand signal if you want to take regular breaks.
Relaxation exercises
Our dentists can recommend a range of techniques to help you relax and calm your anxiety, both in the lead up to and during your visit. These can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, guided imagery to focus on positive thoughts and progressive muscle relaxation to release tension.
Distractions
Listening to music or watching TV on our ceiling-mounted screens could help you to calm your nerves and get through your appointment. We can also provide a stress ball to squeeze, and we encourage anxious patients to bring a friend or family member along for emotional support.
Sedation and sleep dentistry
The above strategies are usually effective at easing anxiety for most patients, but if you need a little extra help to feel calm, or additional pain relief, we can also provide a choice of sedation options for all treatments.
These are administered by our dental anxiety dentists in Mount Lawley or a qualified anaesthetist at our dental clinic or sister practice. Sedation options include:
Numbing gel
We routinely provide local anaesthetic for painless dentistry, but if you want to avoid needles, or you have resistance to anaesthetic, our dentists can apply a topical gel to numb the area of your mouth being treated.
You should not eat until the numbing effect wears off. Any pain or discomfort you feel afterwards may be managed at home with normal over-the-counter pain relief.
Local anaesthesia is typically administered and accompanied by a sedative such as oral tablets, happy gas or IV sedation.
Oral sedatives
Oral sedatives are tablets provided by our dentists that should be taken at our clinic. Under their effects, you should feel calm and relaxed, but will normally be conscious and responsive.
You should not drive yourself home from your appointment, as drowsiness can last for several hours.
Inhalation sedation (happy gas)
We provide nitrous oxide or '‘happy gas'’ as a milder form of sedation suitable for adults and children. This safe gas is breathed in through a face mask and produces a light and calm state.
The effects of nitrous oxide sedation are very short-term, so you will normally be able to drive home after your treatment.
Sleep dentistry (at our sister practice)
If you would prefer a stronger form of sedation, we may refer you to our sister practice EVP Dental in East Victoria Park for intravenous (IV) sedation.
IV sedation or sleep dentistry produces a '‘twilight'’ state where you may feel asleep or remain conscious but calm. You should avoid driving for 24 hours after your treatment.
Improving comfort and safety with modern technology
When you visit Mount Lawley dental for a check-up or treatment, you'’ll benefit from the latest equipment and systems in the capable hands of our qualified and experienced practitioners.
We can introduce the equipment and tell you exactly what'’s involved at every stage of your treatment and what the alternatives are so you can make fully informed decisions about your dental care.
Are you ready to take the first step toward overcoming dental anxiety and improving your oral health? Our friendly team at Mount Lawley Dental are ready to give you the care and support you need.
Call us now on (08) 9227 8777 to tell us how we can help or ask us any questions. You can also make an online booking and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
BOOK ONLINE
back
08 9227 8777