We understand many people suffer fear or anxiety at the thought of facing dental treatment. Sleep dentistry (also known as sedation dentistry, conscious sedation or twilight dentistry) puts you into a drowsy, dream-like state to make your visit more comfortable and relaxing.
Our highly trained and qualified Specialist Anaesthetist will give you a carefully measured combination of pain and anxiety relieving drugs to help you relax and stay calm. Once you’ve experienced the reassuring effects of sleep dentistry, you’ll never fear a trip to the dentist again.
Who can benefit from sleep dentistry?
Sleep dentistry can be of great benefit if you:
- are afraid of needles and injections;
- dislike the smells, tastes and noises of dental treatment;
- gag or have difficulty keeping your mouth open;
- dislike the vibration or sound of the drill;
- have had bad dental experiences in the past;
- have sensitive teeth or gums; or
- dislike any other aspect of dental treatment.
Am I required to go to hospital?
No, sleep dentistry doesn’t require hospitalisation. Your treatment is performed in our practice and is safer than a general anaesthetic.
You won’t require any assistance breathing on your own; the aim is to help you reach a state of calm relaxation and drowsiness so your treatment can be carried out with ease. You’ll remember very little once everything is over.
What do I need to do before being sedated?
You’ll need to be accompanied by a responsible adult who can take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
You will also need to fast, which means no food OR drink in the six hours before to your appointment.
What do I wear?
You should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.
What happens when the sedation wears off?
Just like when asleep, you will slowly awaken. It is not unusual for you to feel sleepy for a few hours afterwards (which is why you’ll need someone to look after you.
