For many people, a trip to the dentist is a simple affair with no hassle and no fuss. For 75% of the remaining population however, a trip to the dentist can be an event that causes a high level of anxiety, sleepless nights, and worry. People who are fearful or anxious of dental care often experience a “cycle of avoidance,” in which they avoid dental care due to fear, until they experience a dental emergency that often requires complex treatment that can reinforce their fear of dentistry.
Until recently, the only option for people with dental anxiety was to have treatment conducted in a hospital setting under a general anaesthetic. We are pleased to announce the opening of our dedicated Special Needs Clinic that is specifically designed to treat people with dental anxiety, fears, and phobia.
With care, attention, and reassurance that their dental anxiety is real and perfectly normal, a great majority of people are able to have dental treatment conducted in the chair, once they know other options of sedation and anxiety control are immediately available to them should they be required. The options for sedation we provide at our clinic are far more effective than simply being provided with penthrox or ‘happy gas’. We endeavour to work very closely with the person to help them overcome their anxiety and fears, and thereby aim to rectify the cause, rather than treat the symptom.