There’s no getting away from it, having misaligned teeth can bring you down. If you are feeling low about your teeth not being aligned, we at Dublin 18 Dental Rooms have a discreet, convenient and comfortable solution for anyone with adult teeth, that will give you the answer you need. Whether you are a teenager at school, who isn’t feeling keen on people seeing you with a mouth full of metal, or an adult who feels too mature to have ‘train tracks’, Invisalign Dublin could be the solution you need to realign your teeth without anyone knowing you’re having treatment!

What is it?

Invisalign Dublin comprises clear plastic aligners which are worn like a gum shield over the teeth and sit comfortably along the gum line. They apply a small amount of pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. They are made bespoke to fit your mouth thanks to iTero 3D scanning technology from which we will be able to take the measurements to have your aligners manufactured. With this scan, we can also generate an animation to show you how your teeth will look once treatment has been completed, and that’s before you’ve even received your aligners. When you do receive them, we will give you sets to change between every week and you will only need to pop in to see us for a check-up every 6 weeks.

How Invisalign comes up trumps

While there are other discreet solutions available, we offer Invisalign for mild to moderate alignment issues. With Invisalign, your treatment could be completed in as little as 6 months. It is a convenient system that allows you flexibility around when you wear the aligners. It is recommended that you wear them for 22 hours a day, leaving you with a couple of hours when you don’t need to have them in; whether you’re playing sports or meeting up with friends, the choice is yours. You can also remove them when you eat and drink, so you won’t need to modify your diet – carry on, as you were! You can also take them out for brushing and flossing your teeth, allowing you to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. This can be a really important benefit when compared with fixed braces that sometimes make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean, with all of the wires and brackets in the way! And, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t have a lot of time to be spending in a dental practice, then don’t worry! Invisalign’s aligners are really hard to break because they are made of plastic, so you shouldn’t need to see us for emergency appointments. As much as we’d love to see you, we know you have better things to be doing than checking in with us and having to take time off work or school.

Come and see us

If you would like to know if Invisalign Dublin could work for your alignment issues, why not book in for a consultation? We would be happy to meet you and discuss your concerns about your smile. We are a friendly practice who will take all the time you need to answer your questions and examine your mouth thoroughly to devise a treatment plan that is right for you. Let’s forget feeling low and start your dental journey on a high!

It will come as no surprise that having missing teeth can cause all sorts of problems; from leaving any remaining natural teeth and gums exposed more to bacteria which can lead to further complications, to your face shrinking due to a lack of structured support from your teeth. The problems aren’t glamorous! With problems like these, you could also experience anxiety about the appearance of your smile and concern about the concomitant issues attached to having gaps in it. At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we have a solution that is effective, comfortable and almost like having natural teeth. Dental implants Dublin allow you to replace just a single tooth, a number of teeth, or all of them!

What are implants?

Dental implants Dublin consist of metal screws that are made of titanium. These screws are attached to your jawbone where your missing teeth should be. They are designed to act like artificial roots for your replacement teeth which can be crowns, bridges or dentures depending on how many you are replacing. These replacement teeth are attached to the screws with an abutment and once they are, they won’t be going anywhere. Titanium is an amazing metal because it naturally fuses with human tissues and so the screws will be firmly fixed in place. You can rest assured that even when crunching on an apple or chewing on the ribeye steak, your teeth won’t be going anywhere! The implants can be fitted using just local anaesthetic and we are highly experienced in delivering excellent care.

Why should I choose implants?

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we won’t be giving you a hard sell with any of our treatments. We will have an initial consultation with you to discuss your concerns and to examine your mouth. From this investigative session, we will be able to offer you treatment options which will suit you best. When it comes to dental implants Dublin, however, the benefits are clear. Aside from the fact that they won’t loosen when you are talking, they also look completely natural. Your replacement teeth will be made to match any remaining natural teeth you have. We will ensure that the shape, size and shade are all the same so that your smile will be seamless from natural to replacement teeth – nobody will be able to tell the difference! You will also have increased confidence when you are eating and talking, knowing that you won’t have to worry about your teeth loosening as other replacement teeth methods may do.

Alongside these benefits, you may also experience better diction when you speak. Having missing teeth can affect the way we talk, so by filling in the gaps, you are removing an impediment to your clear speech. We also find that patients who have experienced shrinkage in their face benefit from a more youthful appearance after treatment, because the implants give their visage the structure it needed.

What do I need to do?

If you are keen to find out more about dental implants, why not book in for an initial consultation with us? We can discuss everything with you and get your personalised treatment plan on the go and get you smiling with your brightest smile!

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we regularly perform treatment using Botox Dublin. Getting the most out of treatments is more than just a science. It’s an art and at our clinic we take rejuvenation seriously.

Why use this method?

The way we use anti-ageing injections in our clinic is a safe and effective method to reduce the signs of ageing. Smoothing out wrinkles as part of facial rejuvenation can give you back a youthful and overall healthier aesthetic.

There are many providers of anti-ageing based therapies, but by using our fully-qualified medical staff you know you are receiving safe and regulated therapy with an established and  reputable organisation. In order to provide this treatment effectively, we not only need to know how to safely inject the solution, but also the anatomy and physiology of facial muscles and an eye for achieving a symmetrical balanced result. All of these skills are developed by dental staff as part of their standard training and all dental procedures contain some degree of aesthetic consideration, providing a big crossover in the skill set that allows our staff to to effectively administer anti-ageing toxin related therapy.

What do the injections feel like?

The toxin is administered through extremely fine needles; the volume of liquid which is administered is very small and the injections themselves often go unnoticed. Some people describe feeling a minor stinging sensation. When we administer Botox Dublin we use a topical local anaesthetic. This numbing gel is applied to the areas which we are going to inject. After the numbing gel takes effect, it is unlikely that you will even be aware that an injection is going on.

There is unlikely to be any pain or bruising afterwards. If you are experiencing any continued discomfort, please do get in contact with the clinic and we would be happy to advise you further.

What is in the injections?

Botox Dublin injections contain small quantities of highly concentrated protein which can paralyse nerves. This toxin is produced by a bacteria and has been grown in large fermentation tanks in much the same way as beer or wine is fermented, before being purified and packaged into pre-filled syringes to be used in clinics as anti-ageing treatments.

By strategically paralysing areas of your facial muscles, the surrounding tissue relaxes which reduces the presence of wrinkles in the immediate area. This method is also widely used medicinally as a treatment for chronic migraines related to muscle tension, and is extremely safe when administered by a qualified and competent professional.

Appointment booking and privacy

We are fully aware that some patients are concerned about privacy when engaging in cosmetic treatments. We are always discreet and will not disclose your treatments to any third party without your consent.

If you have any further queries or would like to speak to our treatment coordinator to see if this treatment would be appropriate for you, please feel free to get in contact with our clinic. We offer a wide range of treatment, allowing both late evening and lunchtime appointments to be made available to fit around a busy working schedule. Please note that we do need to book treatments 2 weeks in advance in order to make all appropriate preparations.

We may be a local dentist Dublin, but we really are expanding what we can do in the clinic, not only fixing teeth but actually fabricating them!

It may not be obvious to the average patient, but the dental industry heavily relies on dental laboratories for the majority of the manufacturing of crowns and veneers. And although this arrangement usually works very well, recent shocks to supply chains have shown us all that being able to self-sufficiently provide services without third parties makes any organisation more robust. Our dentist, Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, is very pleased to be able to announce that we manufacture crowns and veneers in house, taking three-dimensional scans of our patients’ teeth, designing the necessary prosthetics and milling them in the surgery.

Normally reserved for dental laboratories, we are one of the few clinics with a CEREC machine, allowing us to perform the three main steps of dental fabrication. From recording a patient’s tooth position using a 3D scanner, to processing and designing, before sending the first design to the ceramic mill which will cut the desired prosthetic from a block of eMAX ceramic, we do it all.

Dental scanning

Dental scanning is a far less invasive procedure than the traditional plaster moulds which have a habit of becoming distorted and do not store well. Unlike the purely digital models generated by a scanner that can be saved to a computer, which create a more accurate image of the teeth.

Digital modelling

With a little additional training, our dentist Dublin has become adept at using and interpreting digital models. They provide many advantages when designing a prosthetic, allowing an initial model that can be predicted by the software and can then be modified to meet the exact specifications of the patient. This is far easier than making prosthetics by hand once they have been fitted into the patient’s mouth, saving both us and our patients time and money.

Milling in house

With the model for the designs tweaked, all that is left is the selection of the material that we use. We have a wide range of available shades allowing us to match any prosthetics to the patient’s teeth. Once the milling machine is loaded, it will automatically go about chipping away at the enamel block, leaving a  prosthetic with a fully finished surface ready to be fitted.

This can all be done whilst a patient is waiting, allowing us to meet the needs of a dental emergency, even if it involves creating a brand new crown on the same day. This is a huge advantage over the traditional two to three-week manufacturing time that we would expect if we use the third party dental laboratory. This time span would be even longer if we were working with traditional moulds rather than simply emailing over three-dimensional scans. Also, by controlling the quality of manufacturing, we can confidently stand by our work and offer guarantees.

If you would like to find out more information about how CEREC could help you, or to register as a patient, feel free to get in contact by phone or email. There are also contact forms on our website if you would prefer, so we hope to hear from you soon.

Over the years there have been many different aligners used to straighten our teeth. We have all seen children with braces and down the year’s other versions have appeared. The advent of new technology and materials brought about the first clear aligners way back in 1997. Since then with technological progression, materials becoming more advanced, the ability to introduce improved adaptability to the treatment has resulted in a far more precise outcome. Invisalign Dublin brings a more powerful yet gentle way of ensuring that the correct amount of force is used in precisely the right direction to achieve remarkable results. Now we are able to treat our patients young and more mature with a clear high-quality product that will produce the required results.

How do they work?

Firstly because they are clear they are less obvious and can be easily removed for eating, drinking and brushing, unlike the previous fixed braces. There are a series of different aligners designed to gradually move your teeth in the desired direction. By shaping each of the aligners differently a specific amount of gradual force is exerted, slowly moving your teeth to the exact position required. To be effective Invisalign Dublin must be worn for at least twenty two hours a day before being replaced by the next aligner in the series. Each aligner in the series must be worn for two to three weeks. This procedure does require a degree of commitment from the patient but the result is well worth the effort.

What is the initial process?

Because the treatment is so advanced there is no guesswork and Invisalign Dublin relies on precision customization which is achieved through the use of the latest technology and continual training of our technicians. At your initial appointment, a member of our friendly team will conduct an exhaustive examination of your mouth, teeth and gums. To enable us to get a panoramic view of your mouth, we will conduct an Orthopantomogram which is a type of wide-angle dental X-ray. In addition, we will take dental impressions as well as a digital scan of all of your teeth and your gums.

What problems can this treatment correct?

This treatment is suitable for patients of all ages because of the use of the very best quality and latest material designs. Due to the adaptability of this product, we are able to treat gaps between the teeth as well as baby and permanent teeth. Tackling an overbite, an underbite or even a crossbite has never been easier or more effective. Our mission is to straighten your teeth so that you can smile broadly without being embarrassed because of the state of your teeth.

Our team are waiting to welcome you

Dublin 18 Dental Rooms believe that teamwork is the key to providing continual and excellent service to our patients. A dental practice today relies on a range of suitably qualified members of a dynamic and customer-orientated team. We have that team who all share the same ethos that drives us to ensure that our patients all get friendly personal service so that we can all achieve the results you desire. Expect a warm friendly welcome whether you are an existing patient or new, we are here to serve all ages providing all treatments necessary to bring your mouth back to health and to put a broad smile on your face.

We are all aware that the only time that we visit a dentist, a doctor or a lawyer is when we have a problem. Surely then one of the primary reasons for choosing a particular practitioner must be the ability to communicate and develop a relationship that suits both parties. Finding a dentist in Dublin is the easy part, finding one that you can relate to is where the difficulty comes. In this day and age, the internet has made reading reviews and recommendations a lot easier. Is this however the only and best way of deciding who to select as your dental practitioner? It’s all about personality so where a particular review might not be favourable that does not mean that you cannot develop a solid happy relationship or that that dentist is not for you.

Deciding on what you want

Dentist Dublin is a provider of a service and you as a patient are a customer of that service provider. What makes a particular dentist that place that you will be happy to have your treatments. Decide on a set of qualities that you look for in a dentist, once you have visited the dentist you will quickly be able to determine if you have found the right one that suits you. The qualities that would best describe a “good” dentist are a welcoming comfortable atmosphere in a respectable and clean surgery. Someone who involves and educates patients in the diagnostic process and why a particular treatment is necessarily the best. A good bedside manner in that the dentist displays honesty about the pros and cons of treatment and has a compassionate and understanding attitude. This is especially necessary if you are a nervous or apprehensive patient, the dentist needs to be sensitive to your concerns. You want to experience a culture where you can see and experience a happy to help mentality, where everyone in the team is willing and able to answer your questions and allay any fears.

Why Dublin 18 Dental Rooms

Dublin 18 Dental Rooms started out seventeen years ago and have made it our goal to improve and grow every year since that time. Our goal is to be the best and to always offer the best service possible and strive to exceed the norms of the best. We constantly reinvest in our practice and our equipment keeping abreast of the latest technological advancements in software and hardware. Our team are continually involved in ongoing professional development training so that we can always provide you with the highest industry standards in dentistry. Our motivation and dedication to all our patients indicate our commitment to ensuring that you can rely on us to work tirelessly to ensure that your dental care from us is the very best available anywhere. Because our founder is still the director we have maintained consistency throughout our existence, applying his standards which have kept us at the forefront of dentist Dublin. All of our teamwork to the same standards and have the same ethos and because we are all pulling in the same direction your health and wellbeing are our primary concern. We are here to make your dental experience the best it can be with the least amount of stress and maximum satisfaction.

It has been over seven decades since dental implants were first invented and the procedure has been constantly improved over that time. In today’s dental practises throughout the world this procedure is the industry standard treatment for replacing a missing tooth. We are proud that our expertly trained team is able to offer this procedure among our other numerous treatments.

In what circumstances do you need a dental implant

There are usually two reasons, one is functionality and the other is aesthetics. You may have a tooth or teeth missing due to an accident. You may have been suffering for some time with tooth decay or gum disease. You may feel that because of a missing front tooth you are too embarrassed to smile broadly, often hiding your mouth with your hand. Patients present themselves at our surgery for a number of reasons and using our expertise we will advise them as to the best course of action to correct their particular problem. As far as tooth replacement is concerned we generally offer three different options. A temporary dental appliance that can be removed, this can be full or partial. A permanently cemented bridge or a dental implant. Temporary dentures can be inconvenient and cause problems when eating.

What is the dental implant procedure?

Dental Implants Dublin always starts with an initial consultation carried out by our consultation coordinator who will advise on the nature of your condition and the treatments prescribed. If you are happy to proceed we will arrange a diagnostic appointment which will usually include an x-ray of your mouth and a CT scan. Dental implants Dublin will need to have a clear understanding of the state of your teeth and gums to analyse if the fabric of your jaw is able to withstand the force of chewing with an implant. Dental Implants Dublin will also need to identify the exact location of all implants so that they are perfectly located. We achieve all of this using our up to date equipment and the techniques and skills of our qualified practitioners. Your well being is paramount and because each patient is unique our team is meticulous in their planning and the execution of the procedure. In some cases patients display severe nervousness at the impending treatment and to ensure that you are calm and relaxed we offer you the opportunity to be sedated. The dental implant is the surgical fixture that is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a tooth. This implant acts almost like an artificial root creating a stable platform for the replacement tooth or a bridge. Each patient’s needs are different and we will suggest which brand we consider best suited to accommodate your particular needs.

Our dedication is your guarantee

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms we offer a dedicated personal patient-centric service which means that you as a patient are our main focus. Our reputation for delivering a high standard quality service has been achieved over many years and we have a very simple philosophy: the heart of our dental practice is its people. We will build a personal relationship with you from the very first appointment and strive to maintain that relationship.

At first glance, it may appear unusual for a dental practice to be offering facial treatments but that is what they are trained to do. When dealing with teeth and jaw straightening especially, dentists must know and understand fully the aesthetics of the human face. At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms our team have the best equipment available and with a program of continual training as and when new methods are introduced we keep abreast of the latest innovations in facial treatment. We have clinically secure treatment rooms and a medically safe environment to be able to administer the best and safest treatment at Botox Dublin.

What exactly is Botox?

When Botox was first introduced it was the primary drug to include botulinum toxin in very small quantities and has achieved approval, around the world of the Food and Drug Administration. Botox is most notably used to cosmetically reduce the presence of facial wrinkles. Botox, among other conditions, is also used to prevent neck spasms, a disproportionate tendency to sweat and migraine. The drug has therefore clearly been used safely to treat a number of medical and aesthetic conditions.

Ascertain if it’s right for you

Our Botox Dublin team will welcome your enquiry and introduce you to your personal coordinator who will take you through all the stages of the treatment. You will need to tell us if you have had any Botox treatment in the last four months. Any medical treatment that you may be on such as blood thinners will also need to be identified. If you are on this kind of treatment it may be necessary to stop for a few days before Botox treatment to ensure that there is no

bruising or excessive bleeding. Any sort of medicinal sleeping aid, allergy medicine or calming aids of any description, must be made known. Any allergies, especially an allergic reaction to cow’s milk is extremely important and you must make this point clear. Only once this part of the process has been thoroughly completed will your coordinator move to the next stage.

What is the process?

It is natural for there to be a degree of discomfort and if you require it there are a variety of numbing applications that can be used. A massaging procedure based on vibration and ice has shown to be effective. We use a thin needle with which we inject very small amounts of the botulinum into your skin. How many injections we introduce is dependent on the size of the area being treated. There is no waiting period before you can return to your normal activities and as soon as the procedure has been completed you can return to work or home. You will be given the advice to avoid rubbing the treated area for a minimum of twenty-four hours.

How soon will I see results?

Normally Botox Dublin treatment begins to display results between two to three days after treatment has been completed. Preserving the desired effect will require continuous treatment. Our coordinator will work out a convenient plan for you to follow including follow-up appointments.

Where am I to start? Well, for most of you out there who don’t know me, I’m Padma, a dentist from India and the Practice Manager in Dublin 18 Dental Rooms. I am a mother of one brilliant and hyperactive boy, a full time job by itself, keeping him occupied and entertained. I can hear all you mums out there saying, “We know how you feel!”
I wanted to write a blog about our kids and dental health. Wait!! ..Don’t close the page yet!! It won’t be too scientific. When I was thinking of writing something, the topic that first came to mind was “Sugar Taxes for 2018”. Topics like this are always controversial, debatable and sensitive. So let’s leave the tax aside and just talk about sugars.

As you know sugar and tooth decay go hand in hand. As a mother, we always care for our children. We care for their health, wellbeing and future. We teach them what is good or bad. We show them a path and we guide them. At the same time we are notorious for pampering them and spoiling them. It’s easy to allow too many sugars when they ask, because we can’t see those cute little faces becoming dull and upset, but we should try to change and control the type of food that we and our family eat!! So let’s learn more about it.
Sugar is one of the most important dietary issues that we should keep an eye on. Sugar has been in the media spotlight quite a bit in recent times because of the growing obesity epidemic. I won’t try to echo that message here. What I want to highlight is the significance to the health of our teeth. Tooth decay is caused when you mix sugar and plaque bacteria. All sugars ….. (Sucrose in sweets …. Fructose in fruit …. Lactose in milk ….. Maltose in starch…) Can be a problem. So what can we do???

Firstly ….. Know that not all sugars are created equal! But more on that later.

As far as teeth are concerned, it’s not that important what quantity of sugar that our kids eat, it is all about the frequency of intake. Reducing sugar in the cereal from 2 spoonful’s to one spoonful will not help. Restricting little John to a ½ glass of a fizzy drink instead of the usual full glass will not help. Having the willpower to stop after 1 or 2 squares of dairy milk chocolate will not help!
You see, ANY small amount of sugar absorbed by the plaque bacteria will mean that there will be acid production in the mouth. Eventually, after up to an hour, your saliva will neutralize the acids and prevent further damage. A similar amount of damage is caused by eating a whole bar of chocolate as by eating just one square. The worst mistake is to spread out the treats over time!

As we know, sugars are notoriously addictive. Once you have them, then your blood sugar peaks followed by a rebound “sugar low.” So you start to crave for more. It becomes an obsession. It’s becomes a vicious cycle. We therefore tend to favour frequent snacks. As far as teeth are concerned, it’s actually better to Binge and be done with it in one go!
Well, now I am going to give you my Secret to Success for our families.

The Shopping Basket!!
Yes, you read that right… Try to fill the shopping basket with foods which do not have added sugars. Such high glycaemic index foods cause spikes and troughs in blood sugar levels. Read the labels… there are lots of foods with hidden sugar! I know it is easier said than done. There will be protests! But if it’s in the house, it will be found! Stick to your guns and believe it or not, hunger will gradually bring a change in dietary habits. It may take a couple of weeks of enduring complaints but it will pay off. It is true that all of the foods that are classified as “carbohydrates” have some form of sugar and as such can contribute to decay but the right kinds of carbohydrates release their sugars more gradually and thus do not cause such blood sugar peaks and troughs and resulting cravings! Therefore there will be less tendency to snack and graze throughout the day and ultimately less decay!!!
Bright healthy smiles for all the family! Yippee!

Now, I know that it is almost impossible to prevent our kids from having sweets. Neither do we want to be the home that our children’s friends do not want to visit because it’s a no treat home! But we must still restrict easy access to those sugars. Maybe have just one day a week as a Treat Day! Or better still, bring the children out to the shop for a treat. Just try not to have treats in the house. It’s too easy to give in to the demands. Anything for an easier life!!! But it’s only easier in the short term.

What about brushing?
Well yes, it can help. The less plaque, the less acid. But no one manages to get an A+ for brushing every day! Restricting sugar exposure is far more beneficial.
What about chewing gum?
Yes! Sugar free gum stimulates more saliva. And it’s the saliva that can neutralize the acid so the damage can be reduced. But the chewing gum is only beneficial immediately after eating sugars especially during that initial 20 minutes.

Halloween is fast approaching and our homes are going to be loaded with those processed sugars. It’s not realistic to expect abstinence! Just keep in mind that it is the frequency that matters. Let them enjoy it but do not allow them to graze on sweets for several days. The excessive abundance needs to be controlled. Stick to your one treat day each week.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Other parents will admire the lead and the example you set. We need to change our attitudes to the high sugar diets of modern life. Healthy bodies and healthy smiles depend on it.

Good food. Better health. Best life. Or in the dental world we say it as… “Less sugar… better teeth… best smile”
If in doubt, you know where we are. Happy Halloween!

Padma Shunmuganathan

As a dental nurse, part of my everyday life is to help people who are nervous. Unfortunately, like death and taxes, dental work is certain in our everyday lives. For some people, the thought of walking into a dental practice would be as unthinkable as building a rocket to the moon. Pain however, will get the best of all of us, and we often see weary faces enter the clinic doors, patients suffering some pain or discomfort.

Faced with the task of removing that discomfort, I have had to learn to think outside the box in many situations. A smiling face and scented candle can only take you so far. So low and behold, please find below the best advice I can offer to those of you who lie awake for days if not weeks dreading coming to see me and experience my cheery disposition.

Number one, don’t think about it.

This sounds easier said than done, but, if most people could train their minds to not think about the dentist as much as they can train their minds to ignore the reoccurring tooth pain they have had on and off for several years, you will find anything is possible when you really try.

When we focus our attention on all of the negative aspects of coming to the dentist, the noisy drills, the clinical smell, the numb lip, it can strike fear in hearts of the bravest of people.

Therefore, the most simple and straightforward advice I can give you is to simply not think about it.

Do not analyse it. Do not talk to everyone you know about your upcoming appointment this Tuesday at 1:15. Do not think of the million treatments you will have to get done and how you are sure as soon as you sit in the dental chair all of your teeth will magically begin to fall out. Schedule the appointment and forget about it. Simple.

Number two, don’t forget to breathe. People look at me strangely when I say this to them, but you will be surprised just how many people manage to hold their breath as soon as they enter the clinic until they leave. So much so, they could give an olympic swimmer a run for their money.

When we are faced with a scary situation, our body’s reaction is to release adrenaline in preparation for a life threatening event. In previous times, this is what allowed us to kill woolly mammoths and survive. Dentists however aren’t going to murder you, even if you are convinced they are secretly plotting to do so.

This adrenaline, races through our bodies, it makes us become tense, on high alert, listening to every small noise. It also makes us forget to breathe, and therefore the panic lasts longer becoming a vicious circle.

If we try to relax (even if it feels against our best judgement) and take some deep breaths, the effects of the adrenaline will begin to wear away. This in turn, believe it or not will allow the body – muscles, joints, nervous system to relax.

From experience, I understand asking you to participate in an impromtu yoga class while sitting in a waiting room doesn’t sound extremely appealing, but I can promise you that when your body is more relaxed the injections are easier.

People who love coming to the dentist ( they are a rare species) will back me up on this, they take them in their stride.

Number three, eat breakfast always.

As one of my favourite writers, Laura Jane Williams says; you would never send a child into school without a good nights sleep and a decent breakfast to get them through their day, so why would you treat yourself any different?

As adults, we become so occupied with how busy we are, that we forget to be kind to ourselves. If you have been dreading the dentist for several weeks and arrive to the practice tired, stressed and a bundle of nerves I can assure you the experience will seem one hundred times worse on an empty stomach.

Therefore, I cannot recommend highly enough to eat something before leaving your house, it can be ice-cream if it makes you happy, but I will promise you, fainting in the dental chair due to low blood sugar is not something you want to add to your list of to-dos nor mine. The other patients will not thank you for the delay in their busy schedules.

Number four, if all else fails, ask about sedation.

Sedation is the magical wand that can wipe away the most dental phobic of all dental phobias.

No, you are not “knocked out” as people would usually request, but you are very very sleepy.

The majority of the time you will not remember anything after drinking the sedation, but you will wake up happy knowing the dreaded dental visit has come and gone while you were blissfully sleeping, kind of like an adult version of Santa Claus.

The downside to this is you cannot be trusted for the rest of the day. You must have an chaperone to bring you home, tuck you in and make you dinner. No emails, no cooking, no school run and no, no excuses or exceptions. That’s the trade, abide by the rules. But for the most terrified of humans it is the saving grace of their oral health and also makes us dental people’s lives that tiny bit easier.

We don’t enjoy going home at the end of the day feeling like we have worried or upset people.

We are human too. So, if numbers one, two and three have all failed ask your dentist or nurse about number four. If they don’t offer sedation, ask them to refer you to someone who does.

Make your life easy, it is worth it, I promise.

Chelsey Mates