What is a paediatric dentist?

A paediatric dentist — more commonly referred to as a children’s dentist — is a specialist dentist trained to treat the oral health needs of young children. These dentists often complete a specialised course tailored to working with children. A specialist paediatric dentist will treat children from birth to adolescence, as well as some patients with special needs as they grow into adults.

HOW TO CLEAN CHILDREN’S TEETH

At early visits, the dentist will educate you on the best way to brush your child’s teeth and follow up at home with good cleaning habits.

Sleep Dentistry

Get your sedation dentistry done stress-free at Oakleigh Dental.

Dental sedation made simple

At Oakleigh Dental, we prioritise patients’ comfort and peace of mind. Through the benefits of sleep dentistry, we offer a painless experience for patients who may feel anxious about dental procedures. Our sleep dentistry provides expert care to ensure a relaxed and comfortable visit.

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is when a dentist administers a moderate level of sedation through a mask, pill or injection before a procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, patients may either remain conscious and awake, but with relaxed senses, or they may be put to sleep. The primary benefit to patients is they won’t feel any pain. This technique helps patients who suffer from dental phobia, extreme sensitivity or claustrophobia, ensuring they feel calm, relaxed and at ease during their dental procedures.

Is sleep dentistry safe?

Sleep dentistry is safe when the procedure is done by a licensed healthcare provider. Dentists have the ability to work faster, which results in fewer appointments needed for patients who have high anxiety levels and dental phobias. However, there are a few short-term risks that are associated with this type of work such as lingering drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches and vomiting.

Our sleep dentistry process

At Oakleigh Dental, we work in conjunction with Dr Barry Creighton of Dental Sedation Victoria. To start, our patients come for an appointment to discuss sedation options, and we evaluate their previous health history to see if they are a candidate. Dr Creighton also conducts an examination at his clinic to identify whether patients can be sedated at our dental practice, or if they require hospitalisation.

If they are confirmed for treatment at our clinic, Dr Barry Creighton and a certified nurse join us at our clinic to provide the sedation. Once sufficiently sedated, our team completes the necessary dental work. We aim to complete as much work as possible during one sleep dentistry treatment.

Types of sleep dentistry

Depending on the severity of the procedure, there are 3 different ways to administer sedation.

Nitrous oxide. Sometimes referred to as ‘laughing gas’, nitrous oxide is given to a patient through a mask or nose piece. The effects quickly wear off and patients can typically drive themselves home.
Oral conscious sedation. A patient takes a sedative pill an hour before their procedure begins. This type of sedation can take several hours to fully wear off, so patients will need to arrange transportation to and from the practice.
Intravenous (IV) sedation. The deepest form of sedation that is given through an injection into the bloodstream. This form takes the longest to wear off, and patients may need a day to recover fully.

Comfortable sleep dentistry in Melbourne

We do our best to make any dental procedure as comfortable and safe as possible for our patients. Book a consultation with us today to find out if sleep sedation dentistry is the best option for you, and let us help you smile. Our sleep dentist in Melbourne is here to ensure your dental experience is stress-free and comfortable.