At Ten Dental, our multi-award-winning clinics in Balham and Clapham, London, understand that dental phobia is a common and serious issue. We recognise that for some patients, the fear of the dentist has led them to avoid appointments for 30 years or more. As a result, these patients may now require extensive treatments, such as dental implants, which can be particularly daunting. That’s why we have developed a specialised Nervous Patient Programme, designed to provide compassionate care and support for those with dental anxiety.
Our team of highly skilled and empathetic dental professionals is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, and relaxing environment for all patients, especially those with dental phobia. We take the time to listen to your concerns, discuss your needs, and develop a personalised treatment plan that prioritises your comfort and well-being.
For patients requiring dental implants or other complex procedures, we offer sedation options to help ease anxiety and ensure a peaceful, stress-free experience. Our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology enable us to provide the highest quality care while minimising discomfort and maximising efficiency.
At the heart of our Nervous Patient Programme is a commitment to building trust and rapport with each individual. We believe that open communication, transparency, and a gentle approach are key to helping patients overcome their fears and achieve optimal oral health. Our team will guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to post-treatment care, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your journey.
We are proud to have helped countless patients conquer their dental phobia and restore their smiles, confidence, and quality of life. As a testament to our success, Ten Dental has been recognised with multiple awards for our exceptional patient care and innovative approach to dentistry.
If you have been avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety, we invite you to experience the difference at Ten Dental. Our Nervous Patient Programme, combined with our luxurious facilities and expert team, will provide you with the compassionate, high-quality care you deserve. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile by contacting our friendly team at our Balham or Clapham clinics today.
We can give you an oral sedative to help you feel relaxed during treatment. The most commonly prescribed oral sedative that we offer is diazepam, which has a longer lasting effect than many other solutions, making it particularly useful for extended dental procedures. Depending on the total dose given, the sedative effect of diazepam can range from minimal to moderate.
Diazepam is typically taken in pill form with or without food and becomes effective in approximately an hour. It is safe for many patients and can help make you feel calm during dental treatment.
Other effects of diazepam can include:
You should avoid operating machinery, driving or performing any other tasks that require you to be mentally alert for at least 24 hours after taking diazepam.
Diazepam may not be suitable for everyone. We will assess which form of sedation will best suit your individual needs at your consultation appointment or first examination appointment.
IV sedation – otherwise known as conscious sedation – can help reduce your anxiety during dental treatment. This sedative is injected into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand to produce a relaxing effect. You may also feel sleepy but you are able to remain conscious at all times.
Depending on the procedure you undergo, the level of IV sedation provided can range from minimal to deep. Moderate or deep IV sedation can slow your breathing, so you may need to be given oxygen to help you breathe properly.
Other effects of IV sedation include:
IV sedation is safe when it is supervised or carried out by a specially trained dental professional. The effects of IV sedation can last up to 12 hours so we advise that during this time, you avoid:
LA delivery involves injecting a type of medication called a local anaesthetic into a specific area of the body to numb that area. A local anaesthetic can be used to keep you relaxed while dental treatment is carried out. Unlike general anaesthetics, an LA does not cause you to lose consciousness, meaning it is generally safer and you can recover from it more quickly.
It typically takes a few minutes to lose feeling in the area where an LA has been delivered. Once an LA has been injected, you should not feel any pain in the injected area, but you may feel some slight pressure or movement. Full sensation should return to the area when the medication has worn off a few hours later.
There are some temporary side effects of LA that usually pass quickly without any problems. These will be explained in detail by your dentist before your treatment begins.
It is important to be mindful of the injected area while the LA wears off, as it is very easy to accidentally injure this area in the few hours following LA delivery.
If you are anxious or fearful of the dentist, you can arrange to speak to our friendly team about your treatment options by clicking here. You can also call 020 7622 7610 or email hello@tendental.com to book a consultation. We can then provide further information on treatment solutions and assess your suitability for the options discussed.
Does the treatment hurt?
In most cases, implants are placed under a local anaesthetic. After this small operation, a patient is likely to experience minor discomfort which can generally be treated using over-the-counter painkillers. If you are a nervous patient, we can place you under sedation (also known as twilight sleep) during the treatment.
How long do they last?
Dental implants have an excellent success rate. However, just like natural teeth, they need to be cared for; it is important to always maintain a good standard of oral hygiene.
Is it expensive?
Each patient’s case is different with a unique set of considerations, therefore we are not able to set a standard fee and instead can only offer a guide price. Once you have come in for a consultation, we will tailor a plan specifically for your proposed treatment including a comprehensive quotation.
The cost of an implant is often not that dissimilar to the cost of crown and bridge restorations. The improved quality of life that an implant can provide should be factored in when examining costs; implants are a long-term investment in your health and happiness.
Is timing important
The bone around a tooth begins to diminish as soon as that tooth is lost.The sooner an implant can be placed, the more chance there is to save the bone and achieve the optimum outcome for a patient.
