Posts Tagged ‘nervous patient’
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
I blogged on this a while back now, but we are officially up and running with the iTero technology here at WH. In fact, some of the dentist are getting quite competitive. Sen is actually top of the list for dentists that have cases using iTero! Well done Sen. The heat is on now guys.
The iTero technology is an absolute magnificent “piece of kit”. iTero is a revolutionary new technique, which is used to create dental impressions. iTero technology uses digital 3D images of the patient’s mouth, rather than dental trays and putty and can be used to create a range of different dental devices. We all know how much patients dislike those putty impressions! By using the 3D images, iTero creates a much accurate impression of the patients tooth, or teeth, making the fit of the new crown perfect.
iTero technology is set to revolutionise the way dentists create dental impressions. The new technique will reduce time in the dentist’s chair, improve accuracy, reduce mess and eliminate the need for further appointments. Anything to make our patients journey at WH easier and less traumatic for them, is a bonus for us. We are very lucky to have the iTero scanner here at WH.
If you would like to know more about iTero then check out our website, or speak with our dental team. They will be more than willing to help.
Tags: advanced cosmetic dentistry, crowns, gum treatments, intra-oral camera, nervous patient, Pangbourne, smile makeovers, soft tissues
Posted in general dentistry, nervous patients, practice news, smile makeovers | No Comments »
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
I must say, it was a first when one of our patients told me that Rubber Dam was “the best thing to happen to dentistry”. There is a lot of fantastic gizmo’s and gadgets in the dental field, but Rubber Dam does not usually come up top trumps. The patient in particular, was having some composite fillings placed in a couple of lower molar teeth. In order to get the best filling possible, the bonding agentswe use need to have a completely dry field. Any moisture can inhibit the white composite filling from sticking to tooth enamel as best it can. This is why, sometimes, rubber dam is used to protect the tooth and filling from moisture.
Rubber Dam is a latex sheet (also made non latex for allergy sufferers) that is held in position over a tooth in particular. This isolates the tooth, ensuring that no moisture can make contact when treating the tooth. Rubber Dam has many uses and is not just used for moisture control:
It is used when Root Canal Treatment is performed to ensure that no bacteria enters the canals of the tooth. The whole procedure, during Root canal, is to ensure the tooth is completely clean, and no infection or bacteria is left in the tooth. Everybody’s saliva contains bacteria, so using Rubber Dam ensures that no saliva can make contact with the tooth.
During some procedures in dentistry we use small instruments, such as files and burs. We do not want our patients to inhale or swallow these, so Rubber Dam ensures this does not happen.
As you may know, we use lots of solutions and strange tasting agents during treatments. Rubber Dam ensures you do not swallow anything.
The tongue can be very hard to control, during dental treatment, and when using fast drills we do not want you tongue “investigating”. Isolating the tooth that the dentist is working on makes this much safer.
We do use a lot of water during dental procedures, in order to keep the tooth cool while using the drill. Some patients finds swallowing very difficult and stressful while being treating. The use of Rubber Dam stops water from collecting in the back of the throat, making it easier for the patient to swallow.
There are so many uses, and I don’t want to bore my bloggers, but as you can see the use of Rubber dam can be very beneficial to our patients. At first it can be a bit daunting, when the dentist comes at you with a whooping great Rubber sheet that covers your mouth, but trust me, you will be surprised how easy it is to adjust to. Its not always possible to use, but the dentist will try to use whenever possible. Of course, if you don’t like it, we won’t use it. Just let the dentist know 
Tags: dental examination, endodontist, fillings, general dentist, nervous patient, Pangbourne
Posted in endodontics, general dentistry, nervous patients, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
We are all very excited at Woodborough House, as we have a new bit of kit coming to the practice! We have many patients in the dental chair having treatment that requires us to take impressions using putty materials and alginate. We all know this is not much fun. Its especially difficult for patients that have a bad gag reflex or find it stressful having dental impressions taken.It is also an invasive procedure. Well don’t fear……………… Itero is here!!
The Itero is a scanning device that enables us to take accurate dental records and impressions. Itero features parallel confocal imaging which uses laser and optical scanning to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. An accurate impression is the foundation of an accurate study model required for effective treatment planning. After scanning, the machine gives us 3D images to help with treatment planning, crown preperations, and orthodontic treatment. Its also a great way for patients to see their dental work on a screen.
Woodborough House is very excited to be able to use this pioneering equipment, and to be one of the first in the UK to have one. No more goop, gagging or discomfort! That is something to be proud of 
Tags: crowns, dental implants, Dentures, general dentist, intra-oral camera, nervous patient, orthodontics, Pangbourne, smile makeovers, soft tissues
Posted in dental implants, endodontics, general dentistry, nervous patients, practice news, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
Coming to the dentist is not everyone’s cup of tea, and at WH we understand that for some people it can be scary and distressing.
Me and Sen recently saw a lovely lady who has been coming to the practice for many years now, but has always been unable to get her young son to come with her. Children are often influenced by how their parents behave at the dentist, or by what they say about visiting the practice. This child had picked up on that vibe.
We don’t want to pressure and push children in to doing things they don’twant to do. That doesn’t help anyone. Instead we invited this young 8 year old to just come in, have a hot chocolate, and to meet me and Sen. We didn’t do any treatment. We didn’t even ask him to sit in the dental chair. We just wanted him to feel more comfortable about being in surgery and being with us. A few days later he came back in to see us. This time for a dental check up. He was so brave. We explained everything to him, showed him all the instruments and materials we use and he was fine. He even managed to have a small filling done!
After over coming his fear of the dentist, and realising that we are not here to hurt or scare him, he promised us that he will always come to his check up appointment. On one condition though…………that I would make him a hot chocolate! I’m sure I can manage that. Its the least we can do.
If you child, or yourself, is afraid or nervous about treatment, then please let our team know. We can do all we can to make your experience less daunting, and make it one that is more relaxed and comfortable. We want to keep you smiling
Tags: Children, dental examination, fillings, general dentist, nervous patient, Pangbourne
Posted in dental sedation, general dentistry, nervous patients | No Comments »
Friday, May 7th, 2010
Phew. Busy day at WH today! Nick and Steph have been in surgery placing a dental implant for one of our dear patients. The patient has had one before, and swears by it! She had to have a tooth extracted, and to replace the space she decided to invest in another implant. The case was a complex one, as Nick had to do a bone graft. With the use of CT Scans and radiographs Nick is able to place the implant in exactly the correct position. It was a busy few hours, but the time flew for our patient as she had some of our oral sedation (and my IPod). We look forward to seeing the end result.
Well I am off now to enjoy the weekend. I will be back next week for more blogging. Hope you aren’t getting bored of my ranting yet. The stories will continue……
Tags: dental examination, dental implants, dental sedation, nervous patient, Pangbourne, Radiographs, smile makeovers, soft tissues
Posted in dental implants, dental sedation, smile makeovers | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Nae was busy today, with a patient who has decided to have her teeth whitened and also to replace some old fillings. As the patient wanted white composite fillings we decided that it was best that the patient did a couple of weeks of home whitening before changing the old fillings. This enables Nae to pick the correct shade for the new fillings, as her patient will then have lovely bright white teeth. Nae explained how the whitening treatment works, and explained what the patient needs to do at home. We advised the patient to try and avoid food and drinks that are likely to stain(ie: black coffee, red wine, curry and beetroot). Teeth are more porous during the period that you bleach, so the teeth are more likely to pick up stains. Nothing a good polish with our Hygienist won’t fix though! We even had time to catch up on the latest Eastenders gossip. Nae was really behind with the times! We are looking forward to seeing the results in a couple of weeks (and the continuing chaos of Albert Square)
If you are interested in whitening your teeth, then ask our reception team or your dentist. We have all done it at WH, so have a look at our pearly whites when you are next in.
Tags: dental examination, dental hygienist, dental whitening, fillings, general dentist, nervous patient
Posted in general dentistry, nervous patients, smile makeovers | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
We have all been shifting desks, and moving paper work, as today is the start of the office makeover!! We are redecorating and reorganising our office space to make way for a new patient lounge area. This area will be used for patients that want to come in to discuss any treatment with our patient co-ordinators Cathy and Hayley C. We can show our patients past cases and photographs aswell as explain procedures in more detail. It will also be used as an area for our patients to chill out when having oral sedation (we dont want to make you feel embarressed after having a sip of our happy juice). It will be a great place for you to sit down with our practice manager Hayley to discuss any finance issues or costs of treatments, as it will be more private and confidential for both parties.
We are all looking forward to the launch of the new “patient lounge area”. I don’t think my idea of pink walls has been noted, but all the same it will be a great place for our patients to sit, relax, enjoy a coffee and talk to our team. Just another way WH wants to make your dental experience the best it can be.
Tags: dental sedation, general dentist, makeovers, nervous patient, Pangbourne, smile makeovers
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Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Here at WH we want to make your visit, as easy and comfortable for you as we can. We have a few patients that are disabled, using wheelchairs or simply unable to climb our steep staircase. If this is the case for you, please let us know. We can arrange for you to be seen in one of our downstairs surgeries (even if it does mean kicking the dentist out of their comfort zone). We want to make sure you feel relaxed here at WH.
Another way in which we are trying to do our best by our patients is to change our opening times to suit you. We all know its difficult to get away from work sometimes, with the boss moaning about you taking time off, or not being able to escape from the mayhem. We also know that taking a day off to see the dentist or hygienist doesn’t appeal to many people. So, we will be asking our patients what times suit them better. We are looking to open a late night here at the practice so making an appointment to see us, after work, is a lot easier. Please leave us your comments or let us know what hours suit you best. I will keep you posted with any news regarding our late evening. Anything we can do to keep you smiling, is a step in the right direction.
Tags: dental examination, dental hygienist, general dentist, nervous patient, Pangbourne
Posted in dental hygiene, general dentistry, practice news | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Me and Sen saw one of our favourite patients from Tilehurst today, aswell as her cute daughter (who is still very very shy when I try and talk to her). When she comes in for her 6 monthly exam, she always complains about her lower teeth cracking, falling apart or looking “flat”. Sen advised her to invest in a Soft Nightguard. This is an appliance, worn at night, to help stop patients grinding in their sleep. Sometimes we are not even aware that we are doing this! We took impressions, sent them off to the laboratory, and today we fitted the Nightguard. Admittedly, it isn’t the most romantic thing to be wearing when you jump into bed at night, but it will help save those teeth from becoming brittle and cracking in the future. If you are intersted in a Soft Nightguard, then please talk to our dentist. We want to keep those teeth intact, and keep you smiling.
Tags: dental examination, general dentist, nervous patient, Tilehurst
Posted in general dentistry, nervous patients, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Me and Sen saw one of our favourite patients today. He is also one of our most nervous patients! He has told us many stories of visiting the dentist when he was younger, and also seeing dentists abroad which has made him feel very “jumpy” in the dental chair. It doesnt help that he has very very sensitive teeth! To make his appointment less traumatic for him, he decided to have oral sedation, as we had several fillings to do. We also needed to give him a good scale and polish. He asked me if we could “put a wooly hat on his teeth” as the water and suction was setting of his sensitivity. We have many lotions and potions here to help with this kind of problem, so Sen applied a fluoride varnish to help calm it down. After this, he was fine. He even seemed to be enjoying it at one point.
If you have similar problems or feel anxious about having treatment, then speak to us! We won’t know if you do not tell us. We can then do all we can to help make your visit here at WH a more pleasent one. You could even just pop in for a coffee and a “mooch” around if you want to, before having anything done. Just ask one us. We want to do all we can to keep you smiling
Tags: dental examination, dental hygienist, dental sedation, general dentist, nervous patient, Pangbourne
Posted in dental hygiene, dental sedation, general dentistry, nervous patients | No Comments »
