Nervous About Visiting the Dentist? You’re Not Alone – And We’re Here to Help
At Toothcare Dental in Kent, we understand that for some people, a visit to the dentist can feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’ve had a difficult experience in the past or simply feel anxious about dental treatment, please know that you are not alone – and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our calm, friendly, and experienced team will take the time to listen to your concerns and make your experience as comfortable as possible. For patients who need a little extra help feeling relaxed, we offer IV sedation – a safe and effective way to help you feel calm and at ease during your treatment.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation involves a sedative medicine being gently administered, helping you feel deeply relaxed throughout your visit. You will remain conscious and able to respond, but you may not remember much of the treatment afterwards. Many patients describe it as feeling like they’ve had a restful nap.
This technique is ideal for helping to reduce anxiety, and it can also allow us to carry out several treatments in one appointment, making your overall experience more comfortable and stress-free.
Unlike general anaesthesia used in hospitals, IV sedation does not put you fully to sleep. You’ll be breathing on your own and may even be able to speak – but without the stress or fear you might normally feel.
Could sedation be right for you?
You may benefit from sedation if you:
- Feel anxious or fearful about dental visits
- Have had a difficult or traumatic dental experience in the past
- Struggle to get numb with local anaesthetic
- Have a sensitive gag reflex or difficulty keeping your mouth open
- Suffer with very sensitive teeth
- Need complex dental work or oral surgery
- Delay or avoid treatment until you are in severe pain
- Have not seen a dentist in many years
- Find yourself becoming very tense, sweaty, or panicky in the chair
No matter your reason for feeling nervous, we are here to help you feel safe, supported, and confident in your care.
Talk to us
If you’re interested in sedation or would like to talk through your concerns, please speak with your regular dentist at Toothcare Dental. Our experienced team, including our Specialist Dentist, will work with you to find the best solution for your comfort and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. Will I be asleep during sedation?
No – with IV sedation, you’ll be in a deeply relaxed state but still conscious. Many people don’t remember the procedure afterwards.
2. Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, IV sedation is very safe when administered by a trained professional. We monitor you closely throughout your treatment.
3. How long does the sedation last?
The effects of IV sedation wear off gradually after the procedure, but you’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you while it wears off fully.
4. Can I have sedation for any dental treatment?
Sedation is suitable for many types of treatment, from routine fillings to more complex procedures such as root canal treatment. We’ll discuss whether it’s right for you at your consultation.
5. What should I do before and after sedation?
We’ll give you clear instructions before your appointment. Usually, this includes avoiding food and drink for a few hours beforehand and having someone with you to get home safely.
