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Sleep Dentistry
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Sleep Dentistry

Whether you had a negative experience at the dentist’s office as a child or don’t like the sound of the dental drill or other tools, we understand.

Sleep Dentistry

Whether you had a negative experience at the dentist’s office as a child or don’t like the sound of the dental drill or other tools, we understand.

Sedation Dentistry

We specialise in caring for our nervous patients and offer a variety of sedation options to help you relax during various dental procedures. If you’ve been putting off dental treatments due to fear or anxiety, we can help! Whether you had a negative experience at the dentist’s office as a child or don’t like the sound of the dental drill or other tools, we understand.

The Difference Between Conscious Sedation and General Anaesthesia

With general anaesthesia, patients are entirely unconscious. The primary advantage of conscious sedation is that patients can reply to their dentist’s commands or questions. They can breathe normally during the procedure and will have little or no recollection of it when they wake up.

Inhalation SedationOne of the methods we use in the practice is inhalation sedation. The sedation is dispensed through a mask from which you breathe normally. The effects are fast. You will not experience any pain, or feelings of a hangover once the procedure is completed. For more complicated procedures, sedation dentistry can be administered on-site.

Oral SedationWith this form of sedation, we will provide you with a pill to be taken at bedtime the night before your dental procedure. You also will be given one to take an hour before your appointment time. The sensation you will experience is a pleasant, drowsy feeling so any previous anxiety will be dramatically diminished. Please note you will need to have an appointment with us first so that we can discuss the sedation method for your next appointment.

IV SedationBecause this type of sedation is delivered by way of the bloodstream, its effects are rapid. You will be completely relaxed and have little or no recall of the procedure. This service is currently offered with Dr Ranjeet Sekhon. If you are considering this service, please contact our treatment coordinator for further information.

Who can use sleep dentistry?
Who can use sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is an excellent option for patients who are anxious or afraid to visit the dentist. In general, there are three situations in which IV sedation is recommended:

  • Patients who require procedures that are lengthy or complex
  • Patients who tend to experience high levels of stress or fear about dental procedures
  • Patients who have a low threshold for pain and with those who have a pronounced gag reflex

As with the case of any procedure, you should talk to your dentist about your specific situation and whether you are a good candidate for IV sedation.

The use of IV Sedation

While many dentists can administer nitrous oxide or minimal sedation, only a small number of dentists are trained to administer deep IV sedation. The Dental Board of Australia states that, "Only dentists, including dental specialists, whose registration is endorsed for conscious sedation can use this technique in their practice". Some of the medical and dental professionals who can perform sleep dentistry:

  • Board endorsed conscious sedation dentists
  • Dental anaesthesiologists
  • General anaesthesiologists

The most important thing to remember when choosing a dentist to perform IV sedation is to ensure that the dentist has the proper qualifications to perform sedation dentistry.

The use of IV Sedation

You’re in Good Hands! Used by dentists worldwide because of its reputation for safety, sedation dentistry is delivered by a highly skilled dentist at Dentist WA Canning Vale.

Rest assured that your vital signs will be continually monitored for the duration of your treatment. Imagine being able to have multiple dental procedures completed in just one appointment. With sedation dentistry it’s possible. For more information, contact our treatment coordinator today!

Frequently Asked Questions

People often refer to IV sedation as twilight dentistry because it involves the use of a sedative that helps you relax before your dental procedure. Some IV drugs can put patients into a twilight-like sleep, in which patients feel tired and are less aware of their surroundings.

Here is a look at some of the other terms or nicknames given to IV sedation: Sleep Dentistry, Twilight Anaesthesia, Sedation Dentistry, Conscious Sedation

IV sedation can be performed in the comfort of a qualified dentist's office. As with the case of most dental procedures, you will be positioned in a comfortable dental chair when your sedative is administered and your dental work is performed.

At National Dental Care, we are pleased to have all of the patient monitors and IV equipment required to safely perform IV sedation.

There is no universal sedative used for IV sedation. Your dentist will evaluate your age, health history, and type of procedure you will receive before selecting a sedative to administer.

While trends may vary according to practice type and drug availability, there are several that are used more commonly than others. They include midazolam, diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and propofol.

No. When IV sedation is properly administered, you will not feel any pain during your procedure. You can expect your IV sedative to begin working in a matter of minutes, allowing your dentist to begin your dental work without you feeling any pain.

If your dentist numbs the area on your arm or hand where your needle is inserted, you may not even feel the small prick of the needle used to connect your IV tube.

When your procedure is completed and your dentist removes your IV, you may feel as if no time has passed. Most patients have no memory of their procedure or what transpired.