Anxious Patients
We Understand
Despite technological advances in dentistry and the added comfort these can provide patients, we understand that some people may still feel anxious about going to the dentist. For those with dental phobia, it can be even more serious. When you’re hesitant to visit the dentist, this can sometimes make you less likely to seek out necessary oral health care.
But at North Queensland Family Dental, we can help you manage any anxiety so that you’re able to get the treatments you need. The first step is letting us know how you’re feeling. From there, we can walk you through your best options, offer tips and techniques for managing dental-related anxiety, and do our part to make sure you feel comfortable.
Our approach
Our team is full of compassionate professionals who focus on your needs and create a comfortable environment for you. Our top priority will always be your health and well-being – so please ask questions and share your concerns with us. We strongly believe that communication is key to ensuring you have the best experience possible.
We know that, for some people, distractions can help. That’s why we provide iPods with headphones so that you can listen to music during your treatment, or you are welcome to bring your own player with your favourite music or programs. If you think this would be helpful for you, just let us know!
Our clinicians have a friendly and caring chair-side manner. They operate with a gentle touch and use a specially compounded numbing gel for most procedures. Our priority is to make your visit as comfortable, relaxing and generally pleasant as possible.
Oral Sedation
Some people prefer to take oral medications that can help to make them feel calmer before their appointments. If you are nervous about treatment or if your appointment is likely to be lengthy or involve a complex surgery, we can prescribe oral medications which are taken prior to your dental appointment to help you relax. An anti-anxiety or sleeping pill taken the night before the appointment can help with falling asleep and allow you to get some rest. Make sure to speak with your doctor or local chemist before taking any new medications.
If you take oral sedation medications for your appointment, you will need to be accompanied to and from your appointment by a responsible adult. Please advise us beforehand if you intend to take any of these medications before your appointment.
Happy Gas
We can provide happy gas if your dental anxiety is severe. This is a colourless and odourless gas that quickly causes relaxation and a mild feeling of euphoria. Patients remain conscious but tend to feel less concerned about the treatment they are receiving. They often feel lightheaded and may even get the giggles! The effects of happy gas only last while the patient is breathing in the gas: when the gas is stopped, the effects wear off quickly.
Although effects do wear off, we still recommend arranging for a family or friend to drive you to and from your appointment.
Learn more about your options by calling our friendly team at 07 4755 2055