Nervous Patients – all you need to know!

Nervous Patients – all you need to know!

Are you worried about an upcoming dental appointment? Or avoiding a dental check-up?

The Wand (TM) – Discomfort-free anaesthetic in Reading

At Olive Tree Dental, we want your experience of dental treatment to be as comfortable as possible, which is why we are proud to use The Wand as our local anaesthetic for both nervous patients and children.

The Wand removes any anxiety associated with dental injections. It is an unbelievably precise computerized system and its precision control makes the whole numbing procedure painless overall.

Traditionally, local anaesthetic is administered with a needle and can numb the entire side of the face – which can often make it difficult to speak and eat after treatment. It can also then lead to post-operative trauma too, as often younger patients, can’t feel if they’re biting their lips or cheeks, which can be a cause for concern.

The Wand is a game-changer, using a computerized, sensor-controlled probe that numbs only the tooth being treated, its precision is fantastic. This is known as Single Tooth Anesthesia or STA.

Helping Patients with a needle or dental phobia at Olive Tree Dental

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience, especially for nervous patients or younger children who may have a fear of needles or dental procedures. Patients who have had a negative prior experience can also suffer from dental phobia and as a result, put off going to the dentist for years.

With up-to-date technology & innovative equipment at Olive Tree Dental, in Reading, our patients can experience an enhanced level of comfort and hopefully less anxiety during their appointments.

One of the distinctive features of Olive Tree Dental is the use of electrosurgery for hard teeth tissue preparation. This technique is more tolerable than traditional dental procedures and results in minimal bleeding at application. The procedure allows for greater precision and offers a relatively fast method for tissue resection or ablation.

Combining Sedation with The Wand technology

In addition to the use of the above Olive Tree Dental also offers IV Sedation, as it often has a calming effect, reducing fear and anxiety levels, so patients can relax during their chosen treatment. Sedation also decreases the awareness of any noises that could otherwise cause stress or anxiety, in addition to reducing pain levels, allowing for a much more comfortable dental procedure.

The combination of Wand technology and Sedation can make a huge difference in the overall dental experience for patients, particularly those who are nervous, suffer from dental phobia or have a fear of needles. By modifying how injections are performed & minimizing anxiety levels, patients can feel more confident and relaxed during their visit to the practice.

We hope this differentiates the practice & supports an innovative, high-tech image, that also promotes a more comfortable patient experience for all our patients, including our younger & nervous patients.

Nervous Patient History

If you are aware that you suffer from dental phobia and going to the dentist is often an unpleasant experience, please get in touch with us and help us understand what triggers your anxiety by taking a few minutes to fill in this form. Not only will it give us a detailed insight into your fears but it will allow us to better prepare for your upcoming appointments at the practice ensuring a smoother patient journey.

Here are our top tips for managing these nerves

• Let your dentist know you’re anxious, as they’ll have strategies in place to help support you throughout your treatment.
• Before treatment, agree with your dentist on a hand gesture such as lifting your hand up during your treatment so that your dentist knows they need to stop working, explaining why it’s making you anxious.
• Schedule morning appointments to save you from worrying all day about your upcoming dental procedure.
• Arrive on time for your appointment and avoid arriving too early or too late. Arriving 5 minutes prior gives you ample time to get prepared for your appointment.
• Bring a friend or family member for reassurance and to ease your nerves.
• Deep, slow breaths can help you calm down momentarily as you focus on your breathing. You could also try following guided meditation to slow your breathing and ease your mind.
• We offer conscious sedation at Olive Tree Dental, which will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the treatment.

Throughout the practice, we play soothing ‘spa-like’ music and also use a diffuser to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Olive Tree Dental is situated in the heart of Green Park next to a pond in Lime Square. If you’re feeling anxious in the waiting area, you can take a step outside to sit on a bench by the water, and our team will let you know when the dentist is ready.