Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people, often causing significant anxiety and stress. If the thought of a dental appointment fills you with dread, you are not alone. Fortunately, sleep dentistry offers a promising solution to help alleviate your fears and make dental care a more comfortable experience.
What is sleep dentistry?
Sleep dentistry, also known as twilight dentistry or sedation dentistry, involves the use of sedatives to help patients relax during dental procedures. This specialised practice is especially useful for those who experience severe dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, or require extensive dental work. Patients who enter a dental appointment and feel bothered by noises, smells, and tastes will benefit greatly from sleep dentistry. This practice is safe, reliable, and effective as it helps patients overcome dental anxiety by feeling calm and comfortable rather than overwhelmed.
How does sleep dental work?
In sleep sedation dentistry, patients are provided a sedative to bring on a sleep-like state and relax their bodies, giving them more relaxation as they undergo treatment. Patients are not always fully asleep, with some sedatives able to keep them awake but in a very calm state. Under sedation, a patient won’t feel pain or respond to pain reflexes, which is why it is suitable for patients who need dental care but prefer not to be aware of the experience.
Types of dental sedation
There are various sedation options to choose from, ranging from mild relaxation to complete unconsciousness. Below are the four main options:
- Minimal Sedation: You are awake but relaxed. This can be achieved through inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or taking an oral sedative.
- Moderate Sedation: You may slur your words and not remember much of the procedure. This level can be administered orally or intravenously (IV sedation).
- Deep Sedation: You are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened if necessary.
- General Anesthesia: You are completely unconscious and will not be aware of the procedure or remember it afterwards. This is the most common for sleep dentistry.
How to get started with sleep dentistry
Sedation dental can be utilised for routine procedures like a six-month tooth cleaning or for one-time complex surgeries — it just depends on the needs of the patient. It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with your dentist where they review your medical history, discuss your anxiety levels, and determine the appropriate type and level of sedation. During your first consultation, it’s the ideal time to ask questions and determine if sedation can help you.
Is sleep dentistry right for you?
Being put to sleep for dental work isn’t an option for every patient, but there are a lot of situations where it is considered beneficial. Sleep dentistry might be a suitable option if you:
- Have a high level of dental anxiety or fear
- Require extensive dental work
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Have a low pain threshold
- Cannot keep mouth open during dental procedures
- Have disabilities which makes it difficult to sit long periods of time in a chair
- Dislike needles in the mouth
- Have had bad experiences from previous dental procedures
- Have difficulty becoming numb
- Have a strong gag reflex
Benefits of sleep dentistry
Incorporating dental sedation services in your oral treatments can greatly reduce anxiety, allowing you to receive necessary dental care without fear. The sedation treatment also helps manage pain effectively, making procedures more comfortable. Additionally, it reduces the number of appointments needed as multiple procedures can instead be completed in a single visit. For patients with a sensitive gag reflex, sedation minimises discomfort and makes the dental work easier to perform.
How much is sleep dentistry?
The cost of sleep dentistry will vary depending on the level of sedation being applied and the dental treatment you require. Treatment tends to cost around $600 to $1,300 for a typical appointment and up to $5,800 if you are receiving more significant treatments such as implants. Depending on the procedure you are receiving, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Before beginning any treatment, we will provide a detailed breakdown of your sleep dentistry cost.
Sleep dentistry services for your comfort
At Oakleigh Dental we help patients of all ages with their dental fears, using sleep dentistry to transform your dental experience from one of fear and anxiety to one of relaxation and ease. If you’re interested in sleep dentistry in Melbourne, have a chat with us about how we can help you, and experience unrivalled comfort. We’re here to help you smile.
