Sleep Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry Melbourne North West
Sleep dentistry is a service we offer patients who experience dental anxiety or fear of the dentist. It also is beneficial for patients who require extensive treatments and need help for anxiety or discomfort. Fortunately, dentistry has advanced with solutions that allow us to work efficiently and safely with different methods of sleep dentistry. Our team of dental professionals at the Dental Couture are ready to help patients with services to help ensure your dental experience is a positive one.
Sleep Dentistry at Dental Couture Melbourne
Our Happy Patient
Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?
While slightly different, both terms are associated with sleep dentistry. However, sedation dentistry refers to medications that provide deep relaxation and drowsiness to a patient. The patient often is awake during the entire procedure, however in a very relaxed state that removes anxiety and can even reduce pain. Most patients will not remember the procedure once it is over and they have recovered.
Sleep dentistry utilises general anesthesia to put a patient completely asleep. This solution is for longer or complicated dental treatments and surgeries and may be used for those who suffer from severe anxiety.
We use these services as needed, but with today’s advanced dental technology many procedures are low stress with little to no pain. Numbing agents and local anesthetics are often enough to help keep pain at bay and most cosmetic dental treatments require very little. At the same time, most patients prefer to be awake and alert during cosmetic procedures so they can communicate their needs and preferences during treatment to ensure they are getting the look they desire.
Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?
While slightly different, both terms are associated with sleep dentistry. However, sedation dentistry refers to medications that provide deep relaxation and drowsiness to a patient.
The patient often is awake during the entire procedure, however in a very relaxed state that removes anxiety and can even reduce pain. Most patients will not remember the procedure once it is over and they have recovered.
Sleep dentistry utilises general anesthesia to put a patient completely asleep. This solution is for longer or complicated dental treatments and surgeries and may be used for those who suffer from severe anxiety.
We use these services as needed, but with today’s advanced dental technology many procedures are low stress with little to no pain.
Numbing agents and local anesthetics are often enough to help keep pain at bay and most cosmetic dental treatments require very little.
At the same time, most patients prefer to be awake and alert during cosmetic procedures so they can communicate their needs and preferences during treatment to ensure they are getting the look they desire.
Methods of Sleep Dentistry
As mentioned, sleep dentistry comes in a variety of forms and the one that is chosen depends upon your physical health, medical history and required treatment. The following are the types of sedation and sleep dentistry services we offer.
Nitrous oxide
is better known as laughing gas or happy gas. It is administered with a breathing mask that fits over the nose and is a mixture of gas and oxygen. It is odourless and has a quick effect allowing the patient to feel relaxed and comfortable during the treatment. Once treatment is over, the mask is removed and patients quickly recover, often within minutes.
Oral medications
IV Sedation and General Anesthesia
is the preferred treatment for more extensive dental treatments and surgeries.
It may also be used by patients who have extreme fears and phobias who cannot be treated under normal circumstances.
Both sedation and general anesthesia are administered through an IV and are done either in a clinic or hospital by a professionally trained sedationist or anaesthetist, for safe monitoring during treatment.
Who Needs Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is best for those who have extreme pain, phobias, fears and for those who require extensive treatments. The following are some indications that this dental solution might be right for you:
General anxiety
The Benefits of Sleep Dentistry
This usually means less cost to you because you will require fewer dental visits.
The following is a summary of the benefits of sleep dentistry:
Lessen anxiety and fear
Our Happy Patient
Sleep Dentistry for Children
Sleep Dentistry for Children
Some children do require sleep dentistry and when they do, it has proven to be safe and effective. Certain sleep dental solutions can help put a child at ease and allow them to relax during a dental visit.
This can help them in their future years as they learn the dentist does not have to be associated with pain and stress. We customise the type and level of sedation so it is appropriate for your child.
Price List
Price List
Preparing for Sleep Dentistry
We will do a dental examination and evaluation of your oral health and medical history before using sleep dentistry. Once it is determined what is appropriate your dentist will explain the available options and how to prepare for your visit. The following are some general guidelines to help:
We will do a dental examination and evaluation of your oral health and medical history before using sleep dentistry.Once it is determined what is appropriate your dentist will explain the available options and how to prepare for your visit.
The following are some general guidelines to help:
Nitrous oxide and mild oral sedatives often require no preparation; however, you may be asked to refrain from drinking fluids for about an hour before treatment to help avoid nausea.
Some oral sedatives may require a prescription.
Your dentist will give this to you ahead of time so you can take it before your visit; allowing you to be relaxed when you come in.
If you require an oral sedative before your appointment, have someone drive you to and from the appointment to keep you safe.
Stronger sedatives such as sedation IV or general anesthesia often require abstaining from food and drink for 12 hours or more before your treatment. You may also be asked to wear loose clothing and refrain from wearing makeup and jewellery as well as arrange a ride home.
If you are interested in sleep dentistry, call Dental Couture at Melbourne North West today and talk to us. We will schedule a dental examination and diagnose any problems. Together we will find a sleep dentistry solution with you that will be safe and appropriate for you.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
