How we help Nervous Patients

For many people, the dentist can be a frightening thought. Previous experiences can have a profound effect on how anxious you feel when coming to the dentist, even if the bad experience was a long time ago. Here at Rutherford Dental, our highly qualified and friendly staff always go out of their way to make your visit more comfortable for you.

Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas

If you are a particularly anxious patient, feel free to request nitrous oxide sedation when you attend for your visit. Nitrous Oxide does not put you to sleep, merely relaxes and calms you. The feeling you experience is a care-free, floaty sensation. You are awake and aware throughout the entire procedure and you can ask and answer questions as necessary. You will also be able to drive following your appointment. If you have a particularly sensitive gag reflex, nitrous oxide sedation will also help to suppress your need to gag.

In addition, there are a few things you can do to help yourself feel more comfortable. When you come for your appointment, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. If you enjoy listening to music, feel free to bring with you an mp3 player/Ipod and earphones so you can distract yourself during the appointment. In case there is a short wait for your appointment, an interesting novel can also help you take your mind off the treatment. If you are too cold or hot at any time during the appointment, please inform our staff and we can adjust the temperature accordingly. We will strive to make you as comfortable at each and every appointment, if there is anything you need please don’t hesitate to ask.