Pain free dentistry IS an option
It is widely agreed that good oral health brings significant benefits for our general health and nutrition, self-esteem and quality of life. Compromising on oral care can lead to two main types of dental disease − gum disease and tooth decay. Both can cause discomfort or pain and can lead to the development of infection and tooth loss. Their impact can be profound, affecting the ability to eat, laugh and smile and our general well being. However, in these hard economic circumstances, some people may be considering cutting back on visits to their dentist without fully realising the potential consequences.
Another group of people who may avoid visiting their dentist are the thousands who suffer from a real fear of the dentist. A small percentage of them will have an actual phobia where they can be so fearful of receiving treatment that they will avoid dental care at all costs. Some people get into a ‘cycle of avoidance’ in which they avoid dental care until they experience an emergency requiring invasive treatment only further reinforcing their real fear of dentistry.
Nowadays however, dentistry can be pain-free and there are many well trained, personable and compassionate dental professionals around who can help. Finding the right dentist and a good practice can make all the difference. At some practices, for example at Croydon House Dental Practice in Ashburton, they recognise the importance of offering a range of modern services for helping alleviate pain and fear.
Hypnoanaesthesia is one technique which works for many people whereby hypnosis is used as a safe anaesthetic for surgery. At Croydon House, they employ a hypnotherapist fully trained in hypnoanaesthesia. He combines this technique with other appropriate hypnotherapeutic methods, such as providing deep relaxation during surgery and relieving phobias.
IV sedation is another respected technique; a safe method which will put the patient into a tranquil state of mind and provide extreme relaxation during surgery.
A third method used at Croydon House is a sophisticated anaesthetic technique not often found in the South West, the WAND System. This clever alternative to a traditional injection has huge benefits and can really help many anxious patients.
Dr Mitesh Badiani, who mentors and trains dentists from all over the country, at Croydon House, Ashburton said “We have for many years treated a great number of patients who are extremely nervous of dental treatment and where a local anaesthetic is required, there are various methods we will consider. One of my favoured techniques is the WAND system which is amazingly effective when used by a skilled, well trained dentist. It reduces anxiety and is literally pain free. It is particularly helpful when treating children or those with needle phobia who we find often don’t even realise they’ve had an injection!”
One of Dr Badiani’s patients, Mr J. Chapman of Plymouth, confirmed this: “I can honestly say for the first time ever I experienced pain free dentistry; something I really thought did not exist until I was fortunate enough to be treated by Doctor Badiani and his Associates.”
Another patient, Mrs V. Davies of Plymouth, who was treated with the WAND system and therefore without general anaesthetic said: “For the first time in 18 years I can say my treatment was painless"
Dr Badiani emphasised the importance of finding a dentist that is well trained, empathetic and a good communicator. He also stressed that the most important thing for oral health, even in a recession, was to try to go regularly and not avoid the routine visits which were the very best way to steer clear of the often serious problems caused by poor oral health.
For more information please contact:
Dr Mitesh Badiani, Devon Dental Centre of Excellence,
78 East Street, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7AX. Tel: 01364 652 253.
www.devondental.co.uk