Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is common, and you're not alone. Whether it stems from a past experience, fear of discomfort, or simply the unfamiliar environment, our Carina team is here to help you feel more at ease, at your own pace.
We listen first. Tell us about your concerns before treatment begins, so we can adjust our approach to suit you.
Clear communication. We explain each step before we begin, so there are no surprises.
Flexible pacing. You can ask us to pause or take a break at any point during your visit.
Sedation options. For patients who need extra support, we offer options such as [inhalation sedation (Happy Gas)] and can discuss other approaches during a consultation.
Avoiding the dentist because of anxiety can allow small issues to become bigger ones over time. Regular check-ups, even short ones, can help keep concerns manageable.
Every patient's anxiety is different, so we offer a few different levels of support. The right one for you depends on how you're feeling, your medical history, and the treatment planned — something we'll talk through together before deciding on an approach.
Happy gas — also known as nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" — is breathed in through a small mask over the nose. It helps you feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment, while you stay fully awake and able to respond throughout. The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed, so most patients can drive themselves home afterwards.
For patients who'd like a bit more support than happy gas, we can discuss anti-anxiety medication taken as a tablet before your appointment. This is prescribed following a consultation with our dentist, and a small dose is usually taken around an hour before your visit to help you feel calmer. Because this medication can affect your ability to drive safely, you'll need someone to bring you to your appointment and take you home afterwards.
Sleep sedation — sometimes called IV sedation — is a deeper level of sedation for patients whose anxiety is more significant, or who need more extensive treatment completed in fewer visits. Medication is given through a small needle into a vein to bring on a deeply relaxed, drowsy state. You continue to breathe on your own throughout, and most patients remember little or nothing of the appointment afterwards. This option is arranged following a thorough assessment of your medical history and suitability
We're happy to talk through all of these options with you at a consultation, so you can make an informed decision about what feels right for you.
For all enquiries and to make an appointment, please contact Care 4 Teeth today. We look forward to hearing from you.
No. Sleep sedation brings on a deeply relaxed, drowsy state rather than unconsciousness, and you continue to breathe independently throughout.
Generally, yes after happy gas, but no after oral medicine or sleep sedation — you'll need a responsible adult to take you home.
Happy gas is commonly used for children who feel nervous about treatment. Oral medicine and sleep sedation are generally considered for adults or older children in specific circumstances, and we can advise what's appropriate at a consultation.
This is best discussed at a consultation, where we can understand your concerns and medical history and recommend an appropriate approach.
