Sleep Dentistry

Sleep dentistry (also called sedation dentistry, or pain-free dentistry), describes a range of processes that ease patient anxiety and increase comfort when undergoing complex procedures. 

There is a range of sedation options available, and the selected one depends on the individual patient and the complexity of the treatment. This includes:

• Mild sedation, where the patient doesn’t go to sleep but is relaxed
• Moderate sedation (previously called conscious sedation) that reduces the patient’s memory of the experience
• Deep sedation brings patients to the edge of consciousness
• General anaesthesia makes patients completely unconscious; there will be no memory of the procedure

The cost of sleep dentistry is determined by the length of time and the type of treatment the patient undergoes. You’ll be provided with a tailored quote before starting your treatment - but remember that some of this might be rebatable through your private health fund.

The cost is broken up into three components:

1. The dental treatment itself
2. The cost of the general anaesthesia
3. The specialist anaesthetist fee

We have interest-free payment plans available at Toorak Dental Studio, such as DentiCare, to help make the cost more manageable.

There are different types of sedation dentistry processes available, and the chosen method depends on your dentist as well as your individual needs. 

You may receive an oral sedative to make you feel more relaxed and content, and your dentist will advise on how and when to take it. The other option is nitrous oxide which will be supplied by your dentist. There may be certain medications you need to avoid before the treatment, and you may have to fast for several hours prior.

The difference between sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry is that for sleep dentistry, you will be completely asleep while you have your dental treatment. You will be unaware of any sounds, sights or smells that occur from your treatment, which should ease your anxiety and discomfort. On the other hand, with sedation dentistry, you will experience a similar effect but you will be conscious.

There are a number of exercises you can do to help with dental anxiety. Some people swear by breathing techniques or meditation before they attend a dentist appointment. Others may wish to listen to music while they are being treated. For patients with high anxiety, they may request IV sedation or laughing gas to help them feel calm as they are being treated. At the extreme end of the spectrum, patients may undergo general anaesthesia, where they will be put asleep. 

Dental anaesthesia is designed to make you feel nothing as you are receiving dental treatment. You won’t experience any pain, your muscles will be fully relaxed, and, in the case of general anaesthesia, you’ll also have no recollection of the procedure once you wake up. Your dentist may use a local anaesthetic to numb the surface where the needle will prick, where you may feel some slight pain when the needle makes contact with your skin. This should not be too painful.

Dentists will use a combination of sedation and anaesthetic to keep you relaxed, comfortable and pain-free during your treatment. While you may feel sensations of pressure, you won’t be able to feel any pricks or sharp pain. Just be sure to inform your dentist if you begin to feel any pain during your treatment, and they may administer a higher dose for you.

Your dentist can administer a range of treatments to get you to relax. The first option - and the mildest - is laughing gas or nitrous oxide. This will leave you in a calm, sedated state but you are still fully conscious. If you have high levels of anxiety, you may receive an oral sedative that will make you very relaxed and sleepy. Again, you are fully conscious. IV sedation is also offered with similar effects. If you wish to be put to sleep, your dentist will administer general anaesthesia, which involves you going completely to sleep.

Yes, a qualified dentist will be able to put you to sleep under general anaesthesia. This is known as ‘sleep dentistry.’ Keep in mind that this is an expensive option, as you will be completely unconscious and will have no muscle control or reflexes. A better alternative may be IV sedation, where you are conscious but relaxed and not experiencing any discomfort.