Sleep Dentistry
Sedation dentistry at SDG Dental Wantirna
Dental anxiety is a nightmare for those who suffer from it, making regular visits to the dentist a difficult task. Many choose to avoid the dentist altogether and this is what we do not want at SDG Dental, where prevention extends as far as anxiety. This fear of the dentist or dental anxiety is quite common among Australians, affecting about one in seven adults. The paralysing fear you get over the mere idea of the dentist (Dental phobia) can be avoided entirely with sleep dentistry.
The whole process would be smooth sailing at SDG Dental. We understand your fears and want to help you through them while providing the dental treatments you need. Ignoring dental problems can pose great risks to your oral and overall health. Our sleep dentistry options help you deal with your dental fear, lengthy treatment times or discomfort to ensure your dental problems are immediately resolved.
Sleep dentistry’s main goal is to ensure that you receive access to dental care without the stress or anxiety that may prevent you from seeking treatment. Anxiety should never prevent you from having optimal oral health.
What is Sleep Dentistry?
The basics of sleep dentistry are simple! Before your treatments start, you will be sedated depending on your condition and needs. When the procedures are over, you will come back into full consciousness never having to face fear, pain or anxiety while in the dental chair.
The sedatives act by exerting a depressive effect on your central nervous system, especially in those areas concerned with controlling conscious awareness.
We work together with the highly experienced mobile-certified anaesthetic company Advanced Dental Anaesthesia Solutions (ADAS) to perform the sedation. The qualified team will monitor your treatment from start to end until you recover completely.
The Levels of Sedation
Various levels of sedation, such as minimal, moderate and deep sedation can be administered according to your needs. These represent the levels of consciousness of the patient under sedation, which corresponds to the degree of central nervous depression achieved by the sedatives. It all depends on your level of anxiety after a thorough assessment of your medical history is made by our dental professionals.
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Minimal Sedation
You are still conscious and responsive to your surroundings, feeling less anxious and more at ease. It is commonly used for patients with mild anxiety or to alleviate discomfort during routine dental procedures. With minimal sedation, you will retain the ability to respond to verbal commands. This is usually administered through the inhalation of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or an oral sedative.
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Moderate sedation
This relaxes you further but a larger stimulus is needed to trigger your response. Patients under moderate sedation are still conscious and able to respond to verbal commands. Despite being awake, you may feel sleepy and go into a dreamlike state. This level is typically achieved through oral or intravenous (IV) sedatives.
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Deep Sedation
Under deep sedation you are less aware of your surroundings and do not respond to minimal stimuli. Patients are on the edge of consciousness but can be awakened if necessary. This is usually administered via inhalation or IV.
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GENERAL ANAESTHESIA
During the administration of general anaesthesia, you will be completely unconscious and unaware of what happens around you, making this option ideal for those who have to go through painful and long procedures. An anaesthesiologist or a dentist who is licensed to administer anaesthesia will monitor your breathing pattern and assist you throughout the treatment. This will be administered through inhalation or IV.
Types of Dental Sedation in Wantirna
Different types of sleep dentistry methods may be used according to what level of sedation you need:
Inhalation Sedation
- This form of sedation involves providing Nitrous Oxide gas, also known as “laughing gas” or “happy gas,” through a mask placed over the nose; nitrous oxide creates a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, which allows slight analgesic effects.
- You will not be entirely unconscious,but have a a feeling of light-headedness and reduced anxiety.
- This can be used for many types of treatments, from simple procedures such as teeth cleaning, children’s dentistry and general dental fillings to more complex solutions like a root canal or tooth extraction.
- The entire process is rather quick. Since the gas leaves your system fast, you’ll feel completely normal in a matter of moments and should also be able to get yourself home after the dental procedure.
Oral Sedation
- Sedatives are given orally in liquid form, a few hours before the dental procedure is scheduled.
- Depending on the treatment, it is a preferred sedation option for children in need of paediatric dentistry treatments.
- Since this type of sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide, it has a slightly longer recovery time.
- It is recommended to have someone accompany you for the dental procedure so you can be safely taken home after the appointment.
INTRAVENOUS (IV) SEDATION
- The sedative drugs are given directly by an IV line into your bloodstream, putting the patient in a deep state of relaxation.
- One of the most effective and quickest forms of sedation that can be given to anyone who has to undergo a major dental procedure.
- The preferred form of sedation for highly anxious patients and lengthy, complex cases such as wisdom tooth extraction, full mouth rehabilitation and other complex dental surgeries.
- Patients are completely unconscious with no awareness of time and place, and experience no discomfort and pain throughout the procedure.
Ease your dental anxiety with sleep dentistry
Benefits of Sleep Dentistry
The lack of professional dental care due to anxiety will gravely impact your oral health, leading to problems such as plaque, tartar build-up, gum disease and even tooth loss. Why avoid dental care due to anxiety when sedation exists? Sleep dentistry solutions offer an array of benefits:
- It is a great way to help you relax and ease dental fear and anxiety during your appointment.
- Ensures minimal discomfort and reduces pain during treatments.
- Time efficiency as it helps our dentist get a lot done in one appointment, without the interference of the gag reflex.
- Many patients who have opted for sleep dentistry have reported feeling far more comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist in following appointments.
- Sleep dentistry can be used for a variety of dental treatments, from routine cleanings to complex surgeries.
- Improved cooperation from the patient often leads to better treatment outcomes and a smoother dental experience.
- Allows dentists to perform multiple procedures in a single visit, which can be beneficial for patients needing extensive dental work.
- Sedation is closely monitored by our dental professionals, ensuring you have an effective and safe experience.
- Improved overall health as it encourages regular dental visits, contributing to better long-term oral health.
Who Benefits from Sleep Dentistry?
Sedation is meant to help those who absolutely cannot be treated by the dentist without external support. It is beneficial for both the patient and the dentist, as it makes things a lot simpler.
You may want to consider sleep dentistry for the following reasons if you:
- Have dental phobia, dental anxiety or general anxiety
- Are extremely nervous
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Want to make a lengthy dental procedure more comfortable
- Wish to have all your dental treatment covered in a single visit
- Are undergoing extensive oral surgery such as full mouth reconstruction, multiple implants or wisdom teeth extraction.
- Have traumatic past experiences with dental or medical procedures.
- Have low pain tolerance.
- Have a phobia of needles or dental tools.
- Are highly resistant to pain medications or numbing agents.
At Studfield Dental, we want to provide you with the best dental treatment options we have to offer, with or without sedation (depending on the patient), so that your smile and dental health can be made perfect at our clinic.
Is Sleep Dentistry Safe?
Absolutely! Sleep dentistry can be a safe and suitable option for addressing your dental anxiety. Before proceeding, we’ll thoroughly review your medical history and discuss the different levels of sedation available, tailoring the approach to your needs and the procedure at hand. Our experienced team is well-versed in administering sedation while closely monitoring your well-being throughout the treatment.
We prioritise your safety, comfort, and understanding, providing clear pre- and post-procedure guidelines. Your dental health and peace of mind are our utmost concerns, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Cost of Sleep Dentistry in Wantirna
The cost of sleep or sedation dentistry depends on the dental treatment and the type of sleep dentistry method used. A rough estimate (which is subject to change according to the previous factors) is about $500 to $1200 per hour.
After examining your mouth and choosing the most appropriate sedation dentistry technique for you, our dentists will be able to give you a precise cost estimate during your consultation!
Discover your brightest smile with SDG Dental
At Studfield Dental Group, we are committed to staying at the forefront of dental technology. Our clinic offers the latest facilities and consists of an experienced team of dedicated dentists with years of experience utilising sleep dentistry techniques to ensure you receive the most efficient dental care.
We offer a wide range of dental services under one roof. Whether you require general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics or dental care for your family, we have you covered.
When you choose us, you’re choosing a dental home where your oral health and satisfaction are our main priorities. Schedule a consultation with us today to receive the dental care you deserve.
