Do you suffer from dental anxiety? Does it prevent you from visiting the dentist for treatment? Sleep dentistry may be the answer for you.
At our dental practice in Mona Vale, we understand the fears associated with visiting the dentist. We help many patients receive the dental treatment they need through sleep dentistry.
Below, we answer common questions about sleep dentistry and how Beaches Dental Mona Vale can help you.
What is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is a form of IV sedation. It can help you relax when receiving dental treatment. We refer to it as ‘sleep dentistry’ as it allows us to perform treatment while you are in a dream-like state.
IV sedation can be performed in a dental surgery, unlike a general anaesthetic that is performed in a hospital or day surgery. Sleep dentistry involves intravenous sedation where sedation medications are administered directly into the bloodstream.
Dental treatment is then completed by your dentist who still numbs the treatment areas prior to completing your dental treatment to reduce any pain from the procedures.
The sedation medication relaxes the body and can also blur the memory of your procedure. Intravenous sedation gets administered through a cannula in your hand. It is fast-acting, and your sedation level can be easily adjusted.
You must plan for any dental treatment under intravenous sedation. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment and to be with you that night.
Am I A Good Candidate for Sleep Dentistry?
Does the thought of receiving dental treatment make you feel very anxious? If so, you may be a good candidate for sleep dentistry. Your dentist may recommend IV sedation in the following situations:
- You need several dental treatments and/or complex dental procedures
- Your dental-related anxiety is making you avoid vital dental treatment
- You have a moderate to severe gag reflex You need dental surgery to remove a tooth/teeth including wisdom teeth removal
It’s always best that you consult a dentist you can trust and discuss your concerns with them. They are the best people to determine whether IV sedation may be the right solution for you.
Who Performs Sleep Dentistry?
Some dentists can administer medications or mild sedation. However, IV sedation requires a specially trained medical or dental professional. When choosing a dentist for sleep dentistry, ensure that they have the necessary qualifications.
As per the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Dental Association, IV sedation can be performed by:
- Dentists who have completed the relevant postgraduate training and whose registration for conscious sedation is endorsed by the board
- Medical practitioners with formal postgraduate training and endorsement
- Registered anaesthetists
The Australian Dental Board regulates the use of sedation.
Is Sleep Dentistry Safe?
Like undergoing any procedure, receiving intravenous sedation isn’t risk-free. When performed by an experienced and approved doctor though, it is generally a safe practice.
If you suffer from sleep apnoea or obesity, you may be at higher risk of complications. So, you must raise any potential health issues and disclose any medications with your dentist during your consultation. They will discuss the IV sedation process with you as well as its risks.
It’s important that you seek clarification on anything you’re feeling unsure about.
Sleep Dentistry Mona Vale
Do you suffer from dental-related anxieties, but don’t want them to get in the way of your dental health? Beaches Dental Mona Vale can help you. We offer IV sedation at our Mona Vale dental practice in the comfort of our treatment rooms.
You can have peace of mind knowing you’re in safe hands with Specialist Anaesthetist, Dr Vassiliais supervising your sedation. She has years of experience and has helped many patients throughout the Northern Beaches have their dental treatments feeling comfortable and relaxed.
Our gentle dentists take the time to get to know you. They are happy to answer any questions you may have to help you decide if sleep dentistry is right for you.
Contact us to see how we can help you take the stress out of receiving dental treatment.
