Options for treating the anxious patient
committed to quality dental care
| Dental 397 Sedation Dentistry |
Sedation Dentistry
Pain is a complex issue. There is a biochemistry of pain and a psychology of pain, and you can't fully
explain pain and its intensity without understanding both fields of knowledge.
There is a pain receptor which transmits an impulse to the brain which the brain receives and then
interprets as pain. We can influence the pain receptor, the transmission, the reception by the brain, or the
brain's interpretation of the stimulus. Past experiences influence the interpretation and anticipation can
greatly magnify a response. There are times when mere gentle touching of a person can be interpreted as
pain, because of prior conditioning, past experience, level of anxiety, and other psychological factors.
There are also varying levels of pain tolerance from one patient to another. Some patients can feel pain
and yet it doesn't bother them, where others can feel the same pain and not be able to tolerate it.
Additionally, there are interactions between hormones related to emotions and the transmission of the
pain. The dentist can give an injection of local anesthetic, and, if the anxiety level of the patient is high
enough, the pain transmission will still occur, in spite of the fact that the local anesthetic is supposed to
be blocking the transmission. If we treat the anxiety level, then the local anesthetic works. Or, there are
times when the local anesthetic may work but because of anxiety, it wears off very quickly - like in maybe
five minutes. This anxiety is beyond the patient's control - he cannot merely reason himself out of it.
Pain is a complex issue. There is a biochemistry of pain and a psychology of pain, and you can't fully
explain pain and its intensity without understanding both fields of knowledge.
There is a pain receptor which transmits an impulse to the brain which the brain receives and then
interprets as pain. We can influence the pain receptor, the transmission, the reception by the brain, or the
brain's interpretation of the stimulus. Past experiences influence the interpretation and anticipation can
greatly magnify a response. There are times when mere gentle touching of a person can be interpreted as
pain, because of prior conditioning, past experience, level of anxiety, and other psychological factors.
There are also varying levels of pain tolerance from one patient to another. Some patients can feel pain
and yet it doesn't bother them, where others can feel the same pain and not be able to tolerate it.
Additionally, there are interactions between hormones related to emotions and the transmission of the
pain. The dentist can give an injection of local anesthetic, and, if the anxiety level of the patient is high
enough, the pain transmission will still occur, in spite of the fact that the local anesthetic is supposed to
be blocking the transmission. If we treat the anxiety level, then the local anesthetic works. Or, there are
times when the local anesthetic may work but because of anxiety, it wears off very quickly - like in maybe
five minutes. This anxiety is beyond the patient's control - he cannot merely reason himself out of it.
 | music in surgery in a relaxed atmosphere | |
| and a pause when you need it - whatever it takes |
| nitrous oxide gas (for mild anxiety or a | |
| troublesome gag reflex). The most common form of sedation |
| anti-anxiety pre-medication (for mild and | |
| moderate anxiety). If you suffer more from the thought of coming in than actually being at the dental practice, this may be the choice |
| intra venous sedation (conscious sedation | |
| for any level of anxiety). The most advanced technique for comprehensive control of pain and anxiety in dentistry. A needle is placed into a vein and a sedative medicament is then administered to you. |
is one of the safest forms of sedation available and can
take the anxiety out of most routine dental procedures to
include cleanings. Non-allergenic and non-irritating, most
feel the onset effects within minutes and these effects are
completely reversed within about 5 minutes of gas
termination. This complete reversal allows you to safely
drive home or go to work right after your appointment!
Almost anyone can have nitrous oxide treatment. We can
vary the depth of sedation depending on your level of
anxiety. The gas also tends to reduce gag reflexes and
saliva flow. Most importantly, you will bask in a feeling of
relaxation as we care for you.
The gas is administered through a simple rubber hood that
rests on your nose providing a feeling of numbness,
security, and warmth. If you are known to be claustrophobic,
this might not be the choice for you. At or near the end of
your treatment, we will provide you with 100% oxygen so
you will feel completely normal within 5-10 minutes. At that
point, you are 100% ready to independently carry on your
life.
take the anxiety out of most routine dental procedures to
include cleanings. Non-allergenic and non-irritating, most
feel the onset effects within minutes and these effects are
completely reversed within about 5 minutes of gas
termination. This complete reversal allows you to safely
drive home or go to work right after your appointment!
Almost anyone can have nitrous oxide treatment. We can
vary the depth of sedation depending on your level of
anxiety. The gas also tends to reduce gag reflexes and
saliva flow. Most importantly, you will bask in a feeling of
relaxation as we care for you.
The gas is administered through a simple rubber hood that
rests on your nose providing a feeling of numbness,
security, and warmth. If you are known to be claustrophobic,
this might not be the choice for you. At or near the end of
your treatment, we will provide you with 100% oxygen so
you will feel completely normal within 5-10 minutes. At that
point, you are 100% ready to independently carry on your
life.
Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas"
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| 397 Topsham Road Exeter EX2 6HD Devon United Kingdom +44 (0)1392 879397 |
