10 % of the population are so anxious that they don't go to the dentist at all. A further percentage only go when pain becomes unbearable, or something happens like a front tooth collapsing, other people are able to get themselves there but find it an ordeal.

The problem is widespread affects a lot of people, and can significantly affect the persons ‘quality of life. Click here for an example.

What sort of problems are there?

Examples.

Injections. This may be dental injections, or a general injection fear

Drilling. The fear that it will hurt, and the noise of the drill.

Fear of loss of control

Fear of fainting

Gagging Problems.

Problems with painful scaling treatment

Lack of trust of dentists and fear of over treatment

Sexual abuse

More general difficulties can arise when people are depressed or anxious.

Dental problems are frequently exacerbated by stressful life events such as bereavement, job difficulties, and health problems.

Treatments.

First Visit.
Recovery begins when you pluck up the courage to make an appointment.

45 minutes is booked out for you for the first consultation.

At first we sit together away from the dental chair, and discuss your particular problems.

Once you feel comfortable enough, I will have a look at your mouth, solely with a dental mirror without probing at anything.

X-rays can be taken if you can manage them, and often an X-Ray that goes around your head will be taken.

With this information, the findings will be discussed; sometimes it is helpful to look at teeth with a camera that shows things more clearly.

In many cases the dental treatment needed is quite simple, but my job will be to help you tackle the fears that have prevented you having it.

Techniques which help.
Pain free injections, using gels to numb the gum first.

Making sure that teeth are completely free of feeling before starting treatment.

Relaxation techniques

Desensitisation to the noise of the drill. (Behaviour modification)

You can bring your own music, e- books, to help distract you.

Anxiety can be made much worse by the negative conversations that you have with yourself, you can be taught some strategies to help with this.

The use of sedative medications by mouth.

This will either be valium tablets prior to the appointment, or a technique using oral temazepam.

Oral Temazepam is given to you an hour before the appointment time as a dose of syrup. This makes most patients drowsy enough that they can cope with treatment.

It is very safe, but does need special arrangements to be made at the practice, and for you to have a chaperone home.

Intravenous sedation is available by arrangement. Specialist referrals can be made for Hypnotherapy, or if treatment by a Clinical Psychologist is indicated.

Our Specialist Oral Surgeons can arrange general anaesthesia if necessary for extractions

What does it cost?
Consultation fee with Jenny Pinder is £98 including x-rays.

Some people may have to have a large x-ray which shows everything, taken from outside the mouth. This will cost £45.

Your treatment plan will be discussed with you and costs given more specifically after I have examined your mouth.

A general price list is available from the practice.

The practice is owned and managed by BUPA, as part of its Wellness Group. It is fully private, no NHS dentistry is provided.

There are 7 general dentists ( including myself ) , 4 hygienists , and specialists in root canal work , gums , and oral surgery . Implant work is also available.

Emergency treatment is available