Effective pain-free dental treatment with dental sedation service

Do you have questions regarding dental sedation to ask your dentist? London practitioner Hans Lock explains everything you need to know.

Being afraid, or being scared of the Dentist, is an age old recognized legitimate fear, also called a "Dental Phobia". We at THE MERMAID DENTAL CLINIC understand this very well and are specially trained to alleviate your anxiety. We are medical doctors trained in anaesthetics who chose to specialize in dental sedation. We use a technique of conscious sedation procedure which is safe and comfortable and can control fear, pain and anxiety. Most people are suitable for dental sedation.

Healthy people and people on certain medication can be done after a medical check by our doctors. Exceptions are those who are pregnant, under 6 years of age, or suffer from serious physical disease. If you are unsure of your health status regarding dental sedation, please ask us.

Dental sedation - How is it done?

Sedation starts when you meet your sedationist. We will give you more information, answer your questions and show you what we intend to do. A baby size Teflon canula will be placed in your vein on the hand or in the arm and medication will be administered to bring you into a "twilight zone" where pain and fear are not reality any more. You become drowsy and unaware of the dentist or the treatment but you will be able to cooperate with the surgeon and at all times maintain your own protective reflexes. The dental sedation can be prolonged until the planned treatment is done. Local anaesthetic injection is often also used to control pain after the procedure.

Before dental sedation

Do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your appointment.

During the dental sedation procedure

During the procedure you may be asked to cooperate with the surgeon to test your bite, or to open your mouth. You will not remember any of this. You will not snore or disgrace yourself when under dental sedation. You will not lose “control” as you are at all times in control of your breathing, swallowing and coughing and can move to stay comfortable. After the procedure you will be escorted to a recovery area. You will soon be able to go home. You may be drowsy for an hour or two after the procedure.

After dental sedation:

• You should not drive a vehicle, drink alcohol, go to work the same day or sign legal documents.
• You should go home with your escort and relax or sleep until the effect of the medication has worn off.
• You should tell your friends who are scared of the dentist or other medical procedure about your experience.
• You should visit your dentist frequently to ensure your dental health is kept in "perfect smile" condition.

Please do not hesitate to call or email Mermaid Dental Clinic if you have any queries or if you wish to schedule a free assessment consultation with Dr Hans Lock. Tel 020 7580 1001.