Many patients are afraid of dental treatment. There are several different methods available to help people cope with their fear and anxiety. This section lists the most common methods for helping patients with their anxiety and allowing them to have dental treatment in the most comfortable way.

Here at Latchford and Latchford we are able to offer some of these treatment methods for our patients to help them with difficult procedures, we are not however a “sedation practice” for those patients who require sedation for all their treatment.

At your assessment visit the dentist will discuss these options with you and help you decide which method is best for you. If you have any questions not answered here please speak to a member of the dental team.

Local Anaesthesia (injection in the gum)
This is the simplest way to control dental discomfort and pain. Anaesthetic cream can be placed onto the gum to make the injection more comfortable. Then, a small injection is placed in the gum. This temporarily anaesthetises or numbs the area allowing painless dental treatment to be carried out.

The numbness can last up to 4 hours and care should be taken not to damage the numb area (e.g. by biting it) during this time.

Intravenous sedation
A sedative medicine is injected into a vein in the patient’s hand or arm. This makes patients feel relaxed and drowsy. Many patients remember little about the treatment they receive whilst sedated in this way. Patients are awake and can talk to the dental staff at all times. In addition to the sedation, local anaesthetic is used as required. This method works well for all types of anxiety and patients who have difficulty with muscle spasms or muscle relaxation. This method is usually used for adult patients.