Sleep Dentistry

sleep dentistry for Anxious Patients in Melbourne

Dental anxiety and fear are not only common in children but adults as well. Most older adults have had a traumatic experience with dental procedures in the past where pain management was not fully developed.

These patients might have intense fear with dentists and dental procedures where the usual numbing agent won’t be enough – this is when sleep dentistry becomes an option.

What is Dental Sedation?

Dental Sedation, also called conscious sedation, is a medical procedure which involves the administration of sedative drugs to alleviate a patient’s anxiety and proceed smoothly with the treatment needed to be done.

It allows a patient to undergo longer, more comprehensive treatments, like dental surgery, in a conscious dream-like state with little to no pain.

Over the years, dentistry has evolved from pulling a tooth without using any anaesthesia, to the use of dental sedation techniques such as an oral pill, nitrous oxide/laughing gas and IV sedation.

Sleep Dentistry is Ideal for you if:

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You suffer intense anxiety just by visiting the dentist
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You have low pain threshold and fear of needles

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You have a strong gag reflex and feel like vomiting whenever an object touches the roof of your mouth, back of your tongue, or the area around your tonsils.
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You need to undergo complex or multiple treatments in one session such as multiple wisdom tooth removal

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You have a medical condition such as autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease.

Types of Dental Sedation We Use at Lifestyle Smiles

Oral Sedation

is a more conservative approach to sedation, where you are prescribed anti-anxiety medication, similar to Valium. The components of the pill will bind to your brain’s pain receptors and eventually tone it down in a sense that you aren’t nervous. The oral pill is taken 60 minutes prior to your appointment and causes you to feel the calming effects a few minutes later.

IV Sedation

is another type of conscious sedation where a sedative (Propofol or Fentanyl) is directly injected into the bloodstream by an anesthesiologist. If you’re afraid of needles, your dentist can use laughing gas to calm you before administering the sedative. During IV sedation, you remain conscious and will be able to respond to your dentist but feel a little groggy during and after the procedure.

The Dental Sedation Process from start to finish

Planning for your appointment

Prior to your appointment, you must prepare yourself or your child for dental sedation. The dentist might require you not to eat or drink, depending on what type of sedation you have chosen, as it can impose complications during the procedure.

It is recommended that you dress comfortably and wear loose-fitting clothing during your appintment to allow dental assistants to attach apparatuses that will monitor your vital statistics during the procedure.

During your dental sedation

During IV sedation, we will ensure your safety by closely monitoring blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate.

There are three different stages of conscious sedation which will vary depending on your requirements:

  • Minimal Stage (Anxiolysis) is where you are relaxed but fully aware and responsive.
  • Moderate Stage is when you are sleepy and may lose consciousness, but are still somewhat responsive.
  • Deep Stage is when you will fall asleep and become unresponsive.

Dental sedation recovery

After IV Sedation, you may need to stay in the operating room or recovery room for an hour or more to closely monitor your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure until it comes back to normal values.

Bring a family member or a friend to accompany you going home or drive for you as you will not be allowed to drive in most cases. Take a day off work and avoid doing strenuous activities to recover quickly.

If your child is undergoing sleep dentistry, you will be asked to be present when they wake up as they may be feeling confused or nauseous afterwards.

Sleep Dentistry frequently asked questions

Great experience! Dr Warren is a great dentist who is gentle and really experienced. He has a great bedside manner that puts patients at ease!
Joanne H.
Great experience! Dr Warren is a great dentist who is gentle and really experienced. He has a great bedside manner that puts patients at ease!
Joanne H.
Would highly recommend having dental treatment at Lifestyle Smiles. I usually have very high discomfort levels at the dentist, however, Dr Tom and his assistant ...
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Karen T.
Would highly recommend having dental treatment at Lifestyle Smiles. I usually have very high discomfort levels at the dentist, however, Dr Tom and his assistant Tammy were highly professional, thorough and friendly.
Karen T.
The team at Lifestyle Smiles have been great since day one. Briony the Practice Manager is always happy to assist and incredibly welcoming every time ...
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Chloe B.
The team at Lifestyle Smiles have been great since day one. Briony the Practice Manager is always happy to assist and incredibly welcoming every time I visit the practice. Tammy the dental nurse is always kind and willing to assist. Stef is the best dentist in Australia.
Chloe B.
The team at Lifestyle Smiles are amazing. It’s refreshing to be greeted with a smile and I was very pleased with the results from...
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Jonathan V.
The team at Lifestyle Smiles are amazing. It’s refreshing to be greeted with a smile and I was very pleased with the results from my teeth whitening. The team took a lot of time and care to ensure I was comfortable with my visit. Definitely recommend.
Jonathan V.
Dr Warren Antonoff is so meticulous and talented at what he does. He is someone who doesn't cut corners and always ensures high-quality dental work. ...
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Rebecca
Dr Warren Antonoff is so meticulous and talented at what he does. He is someone who doesn't cut corners and always ensures high-quality dental work. Nicole is also a fantastic hygienist and the entire team that work at Lifestyle Smiles always make me feel welcomed and at ease on my visits. I would highly recommend Lifestyle Smiles to anyone looking for a great dentist 🙂
Rebecca
I had my front teeth rebuilt by Dr Antonoff after suffering a serious accident almost a year ago. We were able to retain the original ...
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Alex W.
I had my front teeth rebuilt by Dr Antonoff after suffering a serious accident almost a year ago. We were able to retain the original teeth without getting implants done. Dr Antonoff's workmanship has been superb as noted by other dentists, which goes a long way to reinforce my positive experiences at this clinic. Highly recommended!
Alex W.
Been a while since I have been greeted with a smile, so we were off to a good start. I felt at ease the whole ...
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Jonathan V.
Been a while since I have been greeted with a smile, so we were off to a good start. I felt at ease the whole time I was there for my teeth whitening. The team was checking up on me, kept me informed on each part of the process to ensure I felt comfortable. Work done was some of the best I've experienced. Highly recommended - 5 Stars!
Jonathan V.
Wonderful staff and expert service would highly recommend Dr Warren and the team!
Marie R.
Wonderful staff and expert service would highly recommend Dr Warren and the team!
Marie R.
Dr Warren & team are attentive, warm and professional. I highly recommend these guys! I'm no longer scared of dentists and they made me smile.
Deb S.
Dr Warren & team are attentive, warm and professional. I highly recommend these guys! I'm no longer scared of dentists and they made me smile.
Deb S.
Big thank you to Dr Warren Antonoff and his wonderful support staff. Not only is Dr.Antonoff an excellent and skilful dentist, but he is ...
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Marketa V.
Big thank you to Dr Warren Antonoff and his wonderful support staff. Not only is Dr.Antonoff an excellent and skilful dentist, but he is also a kind and patient man. Highly recommended!
Marketa V.

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