Nervous Patients
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a little daunting for some, and that’s okay! Our team is here to make your experience as calm and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re feeling nervous about a check-up or haven’t been to the dentist in years, we’ll take things at your pace, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Our practice co-owner, Sarah, is Dental Phobia Accredited, meaning she has specialised training to help anxious patients feel at ease. We’re proud to offer a warm, judgment-free environment where your concerns are always heard, and your comfort is our priority.
Let us help you regain confidence in your dental care – one gentle step at a time. Whatever your dental needs, we’re here to provide expert care with a smile. Feel free to ask us about any of these treatments and how they can benefit you!
Sedation
We are able to offer two forms of sedation at Godalming Dental, we appreciate that sometimes the ability to access treatment is hampered by a dental phobia or concern about the length of the treatment. Sedation enables patients to tolerate some procedures for longer periods or to reduce their anxiety levels so that this no longer becomes a barrier. There are two forms of sedation we are proudly able to offer; intravenous and inhalation sedation.
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IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a method of administering sedative medications directly into a patient's bloodstream through a vein, typically in the arm or hand. It is commonly used in dental procedures, minor surgeries, and diagnostic tests to help patients relax and remain comfortable without being fully unconscious. The sedative drugs work quickly, allowing patients to feel calm and drowsy, with many having little to no memory of the procedure afterward. IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation compared to oral sedatives, but the patient can still respond to verbal cues. The level of sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure, offering flexibility for both the patient and the healthcare provider. This type of sedation is typically monitored closely by a trained professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Dental sedation involves giving you medicine to help you relax and prevent pain during dental treatment. It may be recommended to you if you experience dental phobia.
It doesn’t put you to sleep like a general anaesthetic; you’re still conscious and able to talk with your dentist. Instead, it puts you into a deeply relaxed state, where you won’t feel any discomfort or pain.
Different dental sedation techniques are available, including inhalation sedation (wearing a face mask to inhale a gas sedative) and IV sedation (a sedative drug that’s injected into your arm or hand).
If you have dental anxiety or a phobia of dentists and it’s preventing you from getting treatment, whether that’s replacing a missing tooth, a hygienist clean, or having an extraction, dental sedation may help.
Dental sedation may also be suitable if you have a strong gag reflex, require complex treatment, or have a low pain threshold and a topical local anaesthetic isn’t enough.
