Sleep Dentistry in
Docklands, Melbourne
Most of us have a fear of something, and for many people that includes anxiety when visiting the dentist. That is why we offer sleep dentistry at Pinnacle Dental—putting our patients at ease is important to us! We will provide quality dentistry while you sleep, or we can offer milder forms of sedation (e.g. Happy Gas) for people with less anxiety and less complicated procedures.
Sleep dentistry (Intravenous Sedation), also known as twilight dentistry, is a procedure during which a Specialist Anaesthetist injects medications directly into the bloodstream, which causes you to go to sleep. This allows dentists to provide care for many patients who otherwise would not be able to receive treatment. It is a very safe procedure and brings the highest level of comfort to our patients.
Who Needs This Service
Complex and simple dental treatments can be completed in one to two appointments as opposed to multiple appointments. Before undergoing dental treatment with IV sedation, you will need to visit us for a comprehensive check-up and a review of your medical history.
- Fearful of needles or drills
- Strong gag reflex
- Overly sensitive teeth
- Unable to sit still on the dental chair
- In need for a significant amount of dental work
- Special needs
- Time poor & want the most comfortable experience
- Unable to go through General Anaesthesia (GA)
- Fillings, crowns and onlays
- Root canal treatment
- Professional Scale and Clean
- Extractions of teeth
- Wisdom Teeth surgeries
- Dental Implants
Is it Safe?
One of the risks associated with this procedure is the application of anaesthesia. Although most anaesthesia is safe, anaesthetics must be administered by an experienced healthcare professional. It is important for obese patients or those who have obstructive sleep apnoea to consult their dentist before being sedated because the anaesthesia may result in complications.
The patient will be connected to a monitor, which will assess the pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level and breathing. There will also be a small cannula inserted in the arm to deliver the “happy medicine,” which will make you sleepy. This dream-like state is in between being awake and being asleep. It will be maintained till the dental treatment concludes. Patients find it warm, pleasant, and very calming.
The Australian Dental Anaesthetists ensures:
- Patient suitability for day case care.
- Patients are managed following national Australian guidelines.
- Attendance by a Specialist Anaesthetist throughout procedures.
- The provision of oxygen during procedures.
- Availability of emergency drugs and equipment.
- Comprehensive patient monitoring: (Blood Pressure, Oxygen Saturation, Pulse, Breathing and ETCO2).
There are many benefits of sleep dentistry, such as:
- Relaxes you during your treatment: IV Sedation reduces the stress and anxiety associated with dental treatment.
- Time-efficient: you can often have multiple procedures completed in one visit.
- Treatment in comfortable surroundings: treatment is provided on-site at our clinic. Most patients are admitted as day patients and are discharged within a few hours after the procedure.
- IV sedation is available to all patients who are medically qualified for the procedure.
- You do not need any private health insurance to have dental treatment under IV sedation.
The anaesthetic fee varies according to the duration of the procedure. Generally, up to 40% of the cost “as Medicare Rebates” will be paid back to the patient. For example, a dental procedure of 60 min will cost $700 (of which around $250 will be paid back to you), while a dental procedure of 120 min will cost $1100 (of which around $400 will be paid back to you).
Learn More Today
Contact us today to find out more about sleep dentistry or to book your appointment.
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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
