It’s no fun being scared of things that other people have no problem with at all. Thunderstorms, for example. Some people find them exhilarating, others are hiding behind the sofa with the dog. Spiders, too. One person can pick them up and put them outside while their friend is whimpering with terror of this thing with 8 hairy legs and a desire to terrify. Dentists too. Your friend sails in to get their check-ups, doesn’t think twice about local anaesthetics and fillings. You though. Well, you’ve lost count of the number of appointments you’ve missed because when it came down to it, you were just too scared to go.

Was it because your mum was scared of the dentist too? Was it because she never took you when you were young so the first time you went you had to have loads of fillings and they didn’t even offer you a local anaesthetic? Was it the noise of the drill? You can’t quite remember. You just know that all your life, you’ve been lucky to make it to one check-up every 5 years, let alone twice a year. And every time you go, there’s always a long list of work that needs to be done. In fact, it gets longer every time and last time, they were talking about root canals and extractions, maybe even dental implants, if you wanted to get out of the vicious cycle you are in with your teeth.

Because that’s the thing with being scared of the dentist. You don’t go, and you don’t go and you don’t go, and when you do, decay and gum disease have made things so much worse than if you’d gone for regular check-ups in the first place. It’s such a horrible situation to be in.

But here at David Madruga, we know all about dental phobia. It is real. It affects about 13% of the population and you are not alone. When you come to us for help, we will be able to take you through the whole treatment process with a great deal of compassion, zero judgment on the state of your teeth and sedation so that you can finally relax.

If you are feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Dental phobia is a very common occurrence, affecting almost half of all UK adults. Patients suffering from dental phobia tend to cancel dental appointments and visit the dentist only when it is absolutely necessary to be treated. Unfortunately, this can create a lot of problems in the long run.

Dr David Madruga is specially trained in treating nervous patients in Marylebone. He is caring and sympathetic and ready to listen to your needs, concerns and answer all your questions. He will take the time to explain every step of your treatment in understandable terms and will help you cope with your dental anxiety. More importantly, nervous patients can take advantage of our conscious sedation options.

Feel relaxed and comfortable

At your first appointment with Dr Madruga, you will be met and treated in a friendly and reassuring manner. You will never be judged for the state of your teeth or any phobias you may have. Dr Madruga is specially trained in the most advanced techniques available and has invested in specialist equipment designed to eliminate any pain during treatment.

Conscious sedation is not like general anaesthesia. Dr Madruga will use either oral or IV (intravenous) sedation, to help you relax during your dental treatment. IV sedation is more substantial compared to oral sedation, because it involves administering the sedative directly into the bloodstream. In both cases, you will be awake but unaware of what’s happening, feeling very relaxed and not experiencing any pain or discomfort.

When you are under oral or IV sedation, you can still communicate with the dentist. Conscious sedation is extremely safe and well-tested and has proven to be effective with nervous patients. If you opt for conscious sedation, you will need to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment to make sure you return home safely.

Our commitment

For nervous patients who avoid the dentist because of their phobia, why not let us help? Dr Madruga will help you overcome your fears and worries and allow you to have any necessary dental care in a calm and relaxed environment.

If you have missing teeth, then you know that you can feel insecure about your appearance or experience difficulties with everyday activities such as eating and speaking. You may have considered removeable appliances, but worried that they would be loose, inconvenient to clean or uncomfortable. If you have resigned yourself to the difficulties of living with gaps, you might like to hear about dental implants.

Many people have restored their quality of life using this established procedure for replacing teeth. In Marylebone, nervous dental implant patients can benefit too. At David Madruga, we pride ourselves on a relaxed, reassuring approach, combined with techniques such as conscious sedation to make sure that you get treatment you need.

Care for anxious patients

For up to 13% of people in western countries, severe fear of dentists or dentophobia is a very real problem. This can prevent some people from ever visiting their dentist, and make it a very unpleasant experience for others. In fact, this is the main reason that people avoid having the treatment they need. Some people feel out of control, while others have had a bad experience or simply get nervous at the thought of attending an appointment or having work carried out.

Sadly, many people would rather endure the discomfort and inconvenience of missing teeth rather than seek help. If this sounds like you, we can help. We want to make treatment accessible so we ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible.

What happens if I choose dental implants?

The first stage is a consultation in which we assess the condition of your jaw and mouth, plan a treatment programme, including sedation options if necessary, and answer any questions that you might have. The implants are metal screws that are placed into the jaw under a local anaesthetic. During healing, the bones and tiny blood vessels of the jaw mesh around the implants, holding them securely in place. When they have settled, they are used as a secure base to support a replacement tooth, a whole set of dentures, crowns or bridges. The implants function just like the roots of natural teeth, so you will be able to enjoy your favourite foods and an improved appearance.

People in personal growth circles love to turn words into acronyms. With F.E.A.R., you get to choose between False Evidence Appearing Real and Face Everything And Recover. In other words, fear is a feeling. It’s a negative feeling about the future.

The thing is with fear, it’s a very powerful feeling that can stop people doing things they know would be great for them. One thing it stops people doing is getting dental implants. This is such as shame as, in fact, having surgery on the jawbone is a lot less painful than work on the teeth as there are far fewer nerve endings.

For some reason, nervous patients and dental implants combined can create fear. But feeling scared, even more than scared, is no reason not to go through with a dental procedure that can be completely life changing.

At David Madruga in Marylebone, we’d hate for anyone who comes to us for dental implants to decide that the procedure is just too nerve-wracking to go through with.

Conscious sedation

We are big fans of conscious sedation here at David Madruga. This is a way for our patients to go through dental implant surgery in a completely relaxed way, not feeling any pain, not really aware of what’s going on, but able to respond should we need to talk to you; not knocked out cold with a general anaesthetic.

Oral sedation

This is the lighter of the two sedation techniques we offer. You take a pill an hour or so before your appointment, so that by the time you lie back in the chair, the sedation is beginning to take effect.

Intravenous sedation

Much faster-acting because we administer the sedative directly into your bloodstream, and will monitor you throughout treatment. It is a deeper sedation that might send you to sleep, but you can be woken up if necessary.

Whichever type of sedation you choose, you will need to bring someone with you to make sure you get home safely, which is what we always recommend for patients having implant surgery.

Do call us to find out more about sedation and how it can help you through implant surgery.

If you are one of the many nervous patients in Marylebone or around the country, it is good to know you have options when you come for dental treatment at David Madruga. The longer you put off any dental treatment generally the worse it gets and the more eventual work you will need. If you can visit a dentist that can give you options when it comes to your levels of awareness during treatment and shows genuine understanding of you concerns, then you are much more likely to see someone sooner.

What is on offer for nervous patients in Marylebone?

Traditionally, dental treatments that involve discomfort are offered under local or general anaesthetic. These practices are designed to stop you feeling pain, but the former does not take the edge off of your experience, and the latter can mean a visit to hospital for treatment. This may seem like an extreme option if you do not need to have it.

At David Madruga, we offer conscious sedation. This is where you can have a local anaesthetic for the treatment site but we also offer you a level of sedation designed to decrease your general awareness of the sights, sounds and sensations of treatment alongside this. You will not be aware of what is going on and will likely remember nothing but you are actually awake during treatment.

Sedation is offered to nervous patients in Marylebone at our clinic though IV or orally. Your dentist will go through the whole process with you in detail and will also take a medical history from you to ensure you are a suitable candidate for conscious sedation.

At David Madruga, we have experience working with people from all over the country and we create a relaxed and professional atmosphere in which you can feel safe. We believe that, the more positive experiences you have at the dentist, the more overall relief you will get from any fear or phobia and so the more likely you are to visit for check-ups and to get the treatment you need. We look forward to working with you to give you the support you need at the dentist.

Come and visit Dr David Madruga in Devonshire Place. We understand that the number of adults who hold a genuine fear of visiting the dentist is high. The statistics from the NHS, state that as much as one in four adults have such a fear of dentist, which consequently stops them visiting a dentist. Nervous patients in Marylebone can be assured that we are here to offer you a compassionate experience. Is it the pain that puts you off? Or perhaps the noise and smells of a dental practice? Well, we can inform you that with advances in dentistry, the tools used are quieter than they used to be. We also offer a range of pain relief including gum numbing gel and conscious sedation.

When did you last go to the dentist?

It is a good idea to have regular check-ups with a dentist to ensure you are caring for your teeth properly. Do you work or live near Marylebone? Nervous patients are relieved when they find our dental surgery, conveniently situated just a ten-minute stroll from Baker Street Tube Station. Did you know that it is recommended to visit the dentist once a year? This is, if you do not have any risk of gum disease or cavities. For some, it is essential for more frequent visits to occur. We understand, that due to the number of nervous patients in Marylebone, that there will be adults walking around with teeth that have not been seen by a dentist in many years. Is this you? Feel no shame if so, it is more common than you think and it could be that you have no oral problems. Wouldn’t it be good to put your mind at rest though? We can book you in for an appointment here at our practice. If it helps, why not come and visit us to get a feel for the place and see if you would feel safe having your first check-up here. Be assured, that a check-up will not involve any pain or tricky work being done. We will advise you if a follow-up appointment is needed.

Fear of the dentist is the main reason patients put off seeking treatment. It can be crippling, and can prevent you getting the help you need when a problem arises, as well as stopping you from preventing those problems arising in the first place.

Our entire team is committed to treating nervous patients with care, respect and dignity. We will always listen to your concerns and take them seriously, and won’t be judgemental if your dental health is less than perfect because you’ve been afraid to seek treatment for many years.

We offer treatment under conscious sedation, which has helped many of our patients get the treatment they want or need. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here is what some of our patients have to say. . .

“I am writing to highly recommend David. I first made contact in 2013 after not seeing a dentist for some years, due to being truly terrified. I remember standing in the reception area, sweating, shaking and trying not to cry but from that very first moment I was treated with kindness and reassurance.

“As I had a number of teeth missing, and quite a few loose I was put into the care of David Madruga Gonzalez, a truly magnificent implant surgeon. With ultimate patience, and a brilliant, easy to understand treatment plan (so I knew the exact procedures and cost), I now have brilliant strong teeth and a vastly improved quality of life.” – Sheila Webley.

“Just dropping a line to thank you for the sensitive help received during my last treatment.

“It is devastating to have problems with your front teeth and I appreciated the way you explained the options open to me. Having everything explained in detail helps to take away the anxiety and to decide on the appropriate way forward. It seemed to take forever waiting for the healing process between treatments but the end result is great!

“I can now smile again with confidence and it cannot be understated how this gives me back my ease of mind.” – Janis Pidgeon.

Fear and phobia of the dentist are the main reasons UK adults give for putting off seeking dental treatment. At our Marylebone dental practice, we understand and empathise with these fears, which can range from mild anxiety to full-blown panic attacks and can be very distressing. However, we do not think that anyone should experience barriers to the dental treatment they need and the smile they deserve, which is why we work closely with nervous patients to help them get treatment.

Our principal dentist, Dr David Madruga, is highly experienced in the use of conscious sedation to help patients who are afraid of the dentist. Dr Madruga leads a highly-experienced team in the field of conscious sedation, and he welcomes referrals from other dentists to our Marylebone practice if they believe their patients would benefit from treatment under conscious sedation.

How conscious sedation works

Conscious sedation should not be confused with general anaesthesia. You will not be asleep during treatment, so will be able to cooperate with your dentist as required, but will be in a highly relaxed state and will remember little to nothing about treatment when it is completed.

We have two sedation options at our Marylebone clinic: sedative drugs can be delivered intravenously (using a needle) or in tablet form, an ideal option for patients who find that a needle is a trigger for their anxiety. If you opt for treatment under conscious sedation, you will need to bring someone with you to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours after treatment.

It takes some hours for the sedatives to fully wear off, and by law you must not drive under the influence of these drugs. You should also avoid strenuous activity until the next day. Many patients will sleep off the sedatives at home and awake the next morning refreshed and with all dental treatment complete.

If you are afraid of visiting the dentist, you can rest assured you are not alone. Fear of the dentist is the number one reason patients in the UK give for putting off seeking treatment. This fear can range from a mild anxiety to full-blown dental phobia, and there are many causes of dental fear, from bad past experiences to worry about not being in control. For some people, they can identify specific triggers such as the sound of the drill, while for others the whole idea of visiting a dental practice can be terrifying.

Our team is sympathetic to these fears and anxieties, and will always take your concerns seriously. However, we do not think fear should be a barrier to essential and life-changing dental treatment, which is why we offer special care for nervous patients.

We find that many nervous patients benefit from treatment under conscious sedation. This is not like general anaesthetic as you remain awake and able to cooperate with your dentist, but are in a highly relaxed state and will not experience any pain or discomfort.

Dr Madruga leads a highly-experienced team in the field of conscious sedation. He has helped to set up many conscious sedation clinics across the UK, and accepts referrals from other dentists whose patients would benefit from this treatment.

Conscious sedation can either be delivered intravenously, using a needle, or orally, which is a great option if you are afraid of needles. You will quickly start to feel very relaxed and will be largely unaware of treatment, while still able to follow any instructions your dentist gives you. It is a very safe, well-tested procedure that has enabled many nervous patients to get the treatment they want or need.

If you have treatment under sedation you will need to bring a friend with you to drive you home and to stay with you for a few hours after treatment, as you may feel woozy for a while. Full pre- and after-care instructions will be given to you before treatment begins.