Scared or Anxious Patients
Sometimes dental treatment can be uncomfortable, or you may have had a bad experience in the past. We understand, and our years helping anxious and phobic patients, young children, and patients with autism and other conditions have empowered us to be your best support for your dental health and rehabilitation.
We know that the thought of the treatment can be worse than the condition, however, this can quickly change. If we can help you overcome the hurdle of coming in for a simple treatment before you experience pain, or before things become too bad to fix, we will do everything we can to get there.
Our most important tool is communication, so we encourage you to get in contact and talk to us. No commitment, no pressure, just talk to us about what is making you feel nervous, and we can set something up to help you through it. Here are some options which may help:
Nitrous Oxide
An option suitable for most people with an amazing result, nitrous oxide or happy/laughing gas has the effect of reducing your anxiety, creating a feeling of happiness or euphoria, and an anaesthetic effect which makes your whole body feel numb. Most people feel that nitrous oxide makes time go really fast (hour-long appointments can feel like 5 minutes) or that they just βdonβt care about what is happeningβ, allowing them to relax and even walk out with a smile.
Nitrous oxide is an inexpensive option and is rarely contraindicated, however, pregnant women, patients with severe respiratory issues, and some other conditions may not be suitable.
If you would like more information on using nitrous oxide for your dental treatment, even if just for a check-up and clean, we are happy to discuss with you.
Conscious Sedation
Being able to fall asleep for dental treatment is an attractive option for some, and a necessary option for others. Conscious sedation is administered by IV, and is incredibly effective, however not suitable for all due to the risk associated with some medical conditions. If you are interested in falling asleep for your treatment, we are happy to oblige but will need a thorough medical screening to ensure it is a safe procedure for you.
Youβre Not Alone
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off seeing the dentist. It often comes from:
- A painful or upsetting past experience
- Worry about needles, drills or the sounds and smells of a clinic
- Feeling a loss of control in the chair
- Embarrassment about the state of your teeth
- Fear of being judged or lectured
- Sensory sensitivities, autism or other conditions
How We Help Nervous Patients Feel Calm
Tranquility Dentistry was created to be a calm, welcoming place, with no clinical feel and a team who explain everything as they go. For anxious patients, we:
- Start with a no-pressure chat before any treatment
- Go at your pace and agree on a stop signal you can use at any time
- Make sure youβre completely numb before we begin
- Explain each step, so there are no surprises
- Offer nitrous oxide (happy gas) and IV conscious sedation
- Adapt appointments for patients with autism and sensory needs
Tips to Feel More Relaxed at Your Appointment
- Tell us how you feel. Let our team know youβre nervous when you book, so we can plan extra time.
- Book a morning appointment, so you donβt spend the whole day worrying.
- Bring headphones and your favourite music or podcast.
- Bring a support person if it helps you feel more comfortable.
- Practise slow breathing: breathe in for four, hold for four, out for six.
- Start small. A simple check-up and clean is a great way to rebuild trust.
Donβt Let Fear Stop You Getting Care
Avoiding the dentist often turns small, simple problems into painful ones that need bigger treatment. Coming in for a check-up before youβre in pain is the easiest way to keep treatment quick and comfortable.
Whether you need a check-up, a filling, root canal treatment or wisdom teeth removal, weβll look after you with patience and care. We also help anxious children feel at ease. See our childrenβs dentistry page.
We welcome nervous patients from Yamanto, Ipswich, Raceview, Flinders View, Ripley, Springfield, Redbank, Brassall, the Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Anxiety and Sedation
Iβm scared of the dentist. Can you help?
Yes. Dental anxiety is very common, and helping nervous and phobic patients is at the heart of what we do at Tranquility Dentistry in Yamanto. We listen, go at your pace and never pressure you. Simply getting in touch to talk about what worries you is a great first step.
What sedation options do you offer?
We offer two main options:
- Nitrous oxide (happy gas) β breathed through a small nose piece to help you relax
- IV conscious sedation β medication given through a drip so you can sleep through treatment
We will help you choose the right option for you.
What is nitrous oxide (happy gas)?
Nitrous oxide, also known as happy or laughing gas, reduces anxiety, creates a pleasant sense of calm and has a mild numbing effect. Many people feel time passes very quickly, so an hour-long appointment can feel like minutes. It wears off quickly once treatment is finished.
Can I drive after nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes of breathing normal air, and many patients can drive afterwards once we have confirmed they feel back to normal. We will advise you on the day. If you have IV sedation, you must have someone drive you home.
What is IV conscious sedation?
IV conscious sedation is medication given into a vein that makes you deeply relaxed and drowsy. Most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure. It is very effective but requires a thorough medical screening, as it is not suitable for everyone.
Who is not suitable for nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is rarely unsuitable, but it is not recommended during pregnancy, for people with severe respiratory problems or for some other medical conditions. We will review your medical history before using it.
Can I have sedation for a check-up and clean?
Yes. Nitrous oxide can be used for any appointment, even a simple check-up and clean. Many anxious patients find it helps them get back into a routine of regular care.
Is sedation safe?
Sedation is very safe when used for the right patient with proper screening and monitoring. We review your medical history and medications before recommending any sedation, and closely monitor you throughout your treatment.
Is sedation the same as a general anaesthetic?
No. With conscious sedation you remain able to breathe on your own and respond, even though you feel very drowsy and may not remember treatment. A general anaesthetic makes you fully unconscious and is provided in a hospital setting.
How much does sedation cost?
Nitrous oxide is an inexpensive option. IV sedation costs more because of the additional medication, monitoring and time involved. We will give you a clear quote before treatment. Health fund rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover.
What if I had a bad experience at a dentist before?
We hear this often, and we understand. Tell us what happened so we can do things differently. Often past experiences involved not being numb enough, so we take time to make sure you are comfortable before starting and agree on a stop signal you can use at any time.
Can I just come in for a chat first?
Yes. No commitment and no pressure. You are welcome to come in simply to meet the team, see the clinic and talk about what makes you nervous. We can then plan your visits to help you feel in control.
Do you treat children who are anxious?
Yes. We take things slowly with children, never push past their comfort level and celebrate their bravery. Building trust early helps them feel relaxed about dental visits for life. See our childrenβs dentistry page.
Do you treat patients with autism or special needs?
Yes. Our team has years of experience helping patients with autism and other conditions. We can adapt appointment times, lighting, noise and communication to suit individual needs. Please let us know when booking so we can prepare.
What can I do to feel calmer before my appointment?
- Book a morning appointment so you donβt spend all day worrying
- Bring headphones and your favourite music or podcast
- Bring a support person
- Practise slow, deep breathing
- Tell us how you feel β weβll adjust to suit you
Will treatment hurt?
Our priority is your comfort. We use effective local anaesthetic and wait until you are completely numb before we start. Gentle techniques, regular check-ins and sedation options all help keep treatment as comfortable as possible.
Why is it important not to avoid the dentist?
Small problems such as early decay or gum disease are quick and easy to treat. When avoided, they can turn into painful problems needing larger treatment. Coming in for a simple visit before you are in pain is the best way to keep treatment easy.
Is your clinic calming?
Tranquility Dentistry was created to be a calm, welcoming space. Our friendly team focuses on communication and patient-first care so every visit feels as relaxed and stress-free as possible.
Where can I find a dentist for nervous patients near Ipswich?
Tranquility Dentistry is at Shop 7, 428 Warwick Road, Yamanto, just south of the Ipswich city centre. We welcome anxious patients from Raceview, Flinders View, Deebing Heights, Ripley, Springfield, Redbank, Amberley, Willowbank, Brassall, Karalee, the Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim.
How do I book an appointment if Iβm anxious?
Call (07) 3060 4724 and let our team know you feel nervous, email info@tranquilitydentistry.com.au or book online. We will talk you through what to expect and discuss sedation options before your visit.
