Treatment options available for anxious/nervous patients
Periodontal and Implant procedures for some patients can cause anxiety and very real fear. This fear can prevent patients from receiving much needed dental treatment and postponing such treatment only exacerbates periodontal disease-causing tooth loss. At Shire Periodontics we endeavour to make each of your visits with us as comfortable as possible.
We can offer the following options for relieving such fear and anxiety for dental treatment:
- Oral sedation – or
- Nitrous Oxide (Gas, Happy Gas) – or
- IV Sedation (Sleep Dentistry) administered by a Dental Sedationist.
Oral sedation:
The administration of an oral sedative tablet taken approximately 90 minutes prior to treatment. This tablet is provided by our clinic and reduces anxiety to make your treatment more comfortable.
Note: You cannot drive home following this type of sedation, nor should you make any legal decisions for 24 hours.
Nitrous Oxide:
A combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide (gas, happy gas) is inhaled through your nose by wearing a nose piece. This is a popular choice by our patients and works effectively in relaxation during procedures.
IV sedation:
Also known as sleep dentistry is carried out in our clinic by a Dental Sedationist (Dr Nancy Chen). A calming drug is administered into a vein and you will feel deeply relaxed and your anxiety will be greatly reduced. You are still conscious throughout your procedure.
Note: You cannot drive home following this type of sedation, someone MUST escort you home and stay with you. You cannot fly nor should you make any legal decisions for 24 hours. There also are also strict fasting rules which if not followed will cause your procedure to be cancelled.