In over 30 years of clinical experience, I’ve developed a Fear-Free, Pain-Free Treatment Protocol to help our patients overcome their dental anxiety, and on this page I’ll share that 5 step protocol with you so you know exactly what to expect.
My name’s Dr Darryl Marsh. I’m the Founder of Today’s Dentistry and author of two books, “Stress Free Dental Visits - An Insider’s Guide” and “Your Ageless Smile”.
Our team at Today’s Dentistry is well-known for our ability to help highly anxious dental patients get the treatment they need, without worrying. While we can’t promise to eliminate dental anxiety, many of our patients have gone from dreading dental visits to actually enjoying them and never missing a 6-monthly appointment!
But you don’t just have to take my word for it...
Here’s what some of our patients had to say about their experience at Today’s Dentistry:
almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."
For patients with dental anxiety, the first step is a pre-treatment, non-clinical interview and discussion of your fears, concerns and any past dental experiences, both good and bad. Identifying specific areas of concern and assuring patients that these same fearful events will not happen again can go a long way to easing dental anxiety.
During this consultation, we create a plan together to help you manage your dental fear and anxiety, including discussing dental sedation options if appropriate.
You will experience less pain during and after your dental treatment if you proactively take pain relief medication before your appointment. Where appropriate, a pain management program should include taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like Nurofen 1-2hrs before any procedure that is likely to cause inflammation, or where inflammation is already present.
If you have an infection, anaesthetics will be less effective and you will feel more pain. That's why, whenever possible, I recommend patients treat infections first with antibiotics, prior to starting dental work.
My goal is always to achieve a profound numbing to get your tooth completely asleep during the appointment, and keep it asleep until treatment is complete.
The secret ingredient to successful numbing of the gums is... time.
Unfortunately some dentists rush through appointments to see as many patients in one day as possible. But when it comes to anaesthetic, the more time you have the better. It takes a full three minutes for anaesthetic to penetrate the surface of your gum and provide adequate numbing.
There is a little known fact that almost all the pain from an injection comes from the pressure of the medicine being forced into the tissues, not from the needle itself!
So the best way a dentist can give practically pain-free injections is to go very, very slowly so that very little pressure is felt.
At Today’s Dentistry, we use a unique Gentle Anaesthetic Protocol which minimises any pain patients might experience during the placement of anaesthetic.
First, we often use a liquid anaesthetic gel to help numb the area prior to an anaesthetic injection. Then, we apply anaesthetic very slowly.
Most of the ‘sting’ experienced when receiving anaesthetic has nothing to do with the injection itself, it’s actually caused by the pressure of the liquid entering your body. By simply slowing down the process, it significantly reduces any discomfort.
It wouldn’t really be much good if you have a pain-free procedure, but your teeth hurt like crazy when they wake up! That’s why it’s essential to understand how postoperative pain works.
Most postoperative dental pain is caused by inflammation.
The most commonly used painkiller is Panadol, however this only has a short-term anti-inflammatory effect. If your body can tolerate it, Nurofen is a much more effective pain relief as it has a long-lasting anti-inflammatory effect.
The key thing to remember is that pain is best prevented rather than treated after it begins. You will experience much less pain if you take the appropriate dose of Nurofen by the clock, rather than waiting for pain to set in… and having to deal with that pain while you wait for the medication to kick in.
Often, these 5 steps are sufficient to help our patients overcome their anxiety and get the dental treatment they need. However, in some cases additional dental sedation is required to deal with dental anxiety.
So what are your dental sedation options?
They only go to the dentist when they absolutely have to, and they often have very little opportunity to address their fears before treatment is required.
The very first step in dealing with your dental anxiety is to choose to take control of your dental health and start being proactive.
Don’t wait for a dental emergency.
I invite you to come and meet our team at Today’s Dentistry and experience the difference yourself.
We’ve helped thousands of Queenslanders create healthier, happier smiles. I opened Today’s Dentistry over 35 years ago to create a safe space for patients to receive high-quality, fear-free, guilt-free dental care.
During your initial consultation, we will discuss any dental anxieties, including the dental sedation options available to you if you feel you need further help to relax for treatment.
But rest assured, there’s nothing painful or invasive about this first appointment.
No needles.
No drilling.
Just a one-on-one opportunity for us to create a Fear-Free Dental Roadmap for you so you can fix whatever dental challenges you’re facing and start smiling again!
We look forward to helping you.
Sincerely,
Dr Darryl Marsh
Founder of Today’s Dentistry
91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.
Your first appointment includes:
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B. Oral Health (Therapy & Hygiene)
“Working with patients of all ages continues to ignite my passion within dentistry and I strive to provide a gentle, supportive and positive environment for every patient I work with. ”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I enjoy seeing the delight that our patients show when they realise how easy dental care can be! Our team at Today’s Dentistry work together to make every patient feel completely comfortable.”
Dr Sharon's commitment to excellence has shown itself right from the start of her dental career, when she graduated from the University of Queensland with Class I Honours. Her commitment to her craft is reflected in the numerous professional development courses she participates in, with a desire to get the best possible outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Sharon is passionate about empowering patients through education about their dental conditions, supporting them through overcoming dental anxiety, and helping them achieve their dental goals.
Away from the clinic, Dr. Sharon is an avid baker, a keen photographer, and a fitness enthusiast aiming to conquer the Bridge to Brisbane run in 2023.
I always loved going to my own dental visits, and one day I honestly just though ‘why don’t I give dental assisting a go’. I applied for a job and got a call back straight away, and have been in the industry ever since!
I studied my Cert 3 in Dental Assisting online alongside working full time in my first dental job. I chose to do it online so I had more time to work as I am more of a hands on learner.
I LOVE smile makeovers. I love seeing the joy, and happiness it brings patients and the amount of confidence they gain by having their dream smile.
I love feeling like I am making some sort of impact on people’s lives. Whether it is helping them with their smile makeover, holding their hand during a procedure or just being an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
The team, they are all so wonderful and both Darryl and David are so great to work for. But also what our core value is – which is patient care. I think we are a really great team at making sure our patients come first and their experience with us is a positive one each and every time.
Brisbane born and bred, Sarah’s passion for dentistry began during her orthodontic treatment in her teens. After graduating from highschool, Sarah began working as a dental nurse and decided her true calling was as a dental hygienist. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 and has worked in both the private and public sector since then.
Sarah’s focus is on prevention and education. Her goal is to empower her patients so that they can achieve and maintain the best possible oral health for life.
In her free time Sarah can be found spending time with her two sons, hiking, attending a pilates class or exploring Brisbane and the surrounds looking for new restaurants to eat at or adventures to have.
I have been a proud part of the Today's Dentistry team for 20 years now.
My journey to get here though was anything but straight forward and I can probably thank my own childhood family dental visits in Newcastle NSW for my interest in this area of care. It too was a very special practice that took the time with their patients young and old and truly cared about them.
Having my own great experiences as a patient I was thrilled for them to accept me for my Year 10 work experience as a dental assistant and fell comfortably into the role. Due to life as it was back then and lack of public transport my career took me in a whole different direction and I had many years at the Aluminium Smelter in Kurri Kurri.
Once my children were at school I applied for a position as a receptionist at the local Dental Practice only to be told it was actually for an assistant and was I still interested? Silly question! Hands on training the old school way which put me in great position for further learning when our family moved to WA for a couple of years and then finally finding my way to QLD and Darrly and David.
Dentistry to me is a package of many very important parts, the precision and artistry of the actual treatment, the person behind the treatment and understanding of not only their dental needs but emotional drivers and the communication and care to put this all together. Although I now find myself not chairside but doing the behind the scenes administration I still get to talk with our patients and be confident that they are in good hands with my wonderful team.
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I love the professionalism and challenge at Today’s Dentistry. It is great to work at a practice that believes in quality patient care”
Founder and Principal Dentist
“I value the many loyal patient relationships that I have built over the last 25 years and enjoy witnessing the procedures I have done stand the test of time.”
B. App Sci (Oral Health)
“I have worked in Dentistry in one form or another since I was 16 years old. I love this profession and making a difference in others lives.”
B.DSc (Hons) B.Sc (Hons)
“Although I love the scientific side of dentistry, I also get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our patients and surprising them with what modern dentistry is capable of.”