Is there anything that can help me with my fear of the dentist?

Yes. Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they will not get dental treatment. They can overcome their fears with relaxation or sedation. Our dentists are sympathetic to these feelings, and you can ask our dentists about these ways to help.

What is sedation?

We offer intravenous or IV sedation. This is given by injection, either in the back of your hand or your arm. The dose will depend on the treatment needed, and the time it will take to complete.

How will IV sedation in the surgery affect me?

You become drowsy and unaware of any treatment, but you can still cooperate with the dentist. The effects of sedative medicine take some time to wear off, and your dentist will tell you how long the drugs will take to clear your body. You won’t be able to drink alcohol, drive or work machinery during this time.

How does relaxation work?

When faced with a challenge or something we’re afraid of, such as a visit to the dentist, our bodies produce substances which raise our anxiety. However, we can train our bodies to work against this anxiety by learning to relax. It’s not possible to be anxious and relaxed simultaneously, so learning relaxation helps control our pressure.