Whilst all the dentists in the practice are sensitive to the needs of patients, I have a special interest in treating apprehensive patients. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than helping someone receive the treatment they know they need but never thought they would be able to achieve.

Over the years I have incorporated many tools and techniques into my practice to help patients. Of course, the most important factor is to have both a dentist and a nurse who are sensitive to your fears and dedicated to helping you overcome them.

The Dental Button

This is a button that the patient is given to hold. If they press it, it instantly stops the drill. It allows the patient to have complete control over the procedure. Currently, I am the only dentist in England with one. I have been asked to help assess it. My observation so far is that patients are visibly more relaxed knowing they can stop the procedure at any time.

The Wand

This is a computer controlled injection device. The computer controls the flow rate and pressure of the anaesthetic. This results is much more comfortable injections. Most of the pain from an injection is not from the initial insertion, but is due to the fluid going in too fast and stretching the tissues. The wand eliminates this problem.

 

Oral Sedation

Here we give you a sedative tablet or drink to take an hour before your treatment is scheduled. This can often produce quite profound sedation but its effects do vary. At the very minimum you will find it takes the edge of your nerves.

The advantages of oral sedation is that it is needle free and I do not charge extra for it!

Inhalation Sedation

This is also known a laughing gas. The gas is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (similar to gas and air in hospitals). It is a mild form of sedation inducing a feeling of well being. One also has a feeling of being detached from ones surroundings.

The gas is delivered by a small hood that fits over your nose.

 

It has the advantage of being needle-free and also has pain-killing properties which are great for procedures like scaling. One big advantage of this type of sedation is you can drive yourself home after a short recovery period.

Intravenous Sedation

This is the most powerful form of sedation. The sedative is administered into a vein in the arm or back of the hand. You will feel completely relaxed and unconcerned by any treatment. Time passes quickly and an hour will seem like ten minutes. In most cases you will have no recollection of the treatment and feel like you have slept through it.

It is ideal for very apprehensive patients or those undergoing long procedures.

 Extra Smile Award

 

Some of the patients whom I have helped have been kind enough to send very positive reviews about me to the dental phobia website Beyond Fear ( http://www.beyondfear.org/prohelp/display.asp?Id=355 ) As a result I have been awarded their Extra Smile Award.

 My Team

Jean

I have the privilege of working four days a week with the practice's senior dental nurse  Jean Holdsworth. Jean has  over twenty years experience and has an encyclopedic knowledge of dental procedures. She has a wonderful way with people and is exceptionally skilled at putting patients at ease. Many patients check to make sure she is on duty the day the book their appointments.

Jodie

Practice manager and sedation nurse Jodie Thomas has become an expert at preparing and monitoring patients during sedation. Her advanced training and attention to detail enables me to concentrate on treating the patient. Her kind and sensitive manner ensures that patients feel confident that they are being truly cared for.

 Just want to talk?

Many people find it helpful to have an informal discussion before they attend for the first time. I am more than happy to do this. Please email me at lincolnhirst@beehivedental.co.uk or ring the practice on 01707 324562 and ask for either Jodie or Jean to arrange for me to call you back.