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Sleep Dentistry Brisbane

Many people associate dental procedures with fear, probably due to an experience or fear of the outcome of their oral health after missing countless appointments. This is where sleep dentistry swoops in and saves the day.

Sleep dentistry in Brisbane involves the use of a sedative to keep patients in a calm state during their dental procedure. It works against dental phobia and allows little to no memory of the dental procedure. Sleep dentistry effectively eliminates anxiety associated with dentistry with its sedatives.

Keep reading, as this article will guide you through your sleep dentistry options, cost, and anything associated with the treatment.

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry involves the use of sedatives such as laughing gas to put you in a relaxed state during your oral surgery. The sedative makes you so calm that you feel zero traces of fear during the dental procedure.

Sleep dentistry may also be known as twilight sedation or sedation dentistry. It is worth noting that not all types of sleep dentistry involve “sleep.” Some simply work to get you so calm that you are partially aware of your surroundings.

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How Does Sleep Dentistry Work?

In most cases, you are conscious during the procedure. The sedative medications simply put you in lightheaded state.

The sedative medications may be inhaled, taken as pills, or injected directly into your veins. They can start working within a few seconds or hours, depending on the type.

Sleep dentistry exists mainly to help patients with their dental phobia. You may be awake during the procedure but drowsy. Yet, you will still be able to respond when spoken to.

Most of the time, a qualified specialist such as an anesthetist will administer the sedative and monitor your vital signs during the dental procedure.

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Types of Sleep Dentistry

Sleep dentistry has proven to be an effective dental practice for many patients. Yet, it is divided into various types because every person’s dental situation will vary, just as the level of dental phobia does.

If you have a mild fear, you will be administered a mild sedative that calms yet keeps you awake. If you have a greater phobia, you will likely be administered a sedative that makes you go into deep sedation or even become totally unconscious.

Without further ado, here are the types of sleep dentistry available to you in Brisbane.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation uses pills to administer the sedative. This method has you moderately sedated yet conscious and responsive during your procedure.

It may be a preferred option for some patients since it involves just swallowing a pill a couple of hours before the procedure. This is because some patients with dental phobia may also be afraid of needles used in IV sedation.

The pill is a benzodiazepine that decreases activity in the part of the brain that controls fear and anxiety. Some examples of oral sedatives are Halcion, Xanax, etc.

IV Sedation

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, involves sedative drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids, and Propofol, which put you in a calm state during dental surgery. It is administered into your veins with a thin needle.

The needle is stuck in your arm or the back of your hand. IV sedation is a rather deep sleep dentistry treatment. However, you remain aware of what your dentist is doing and responsive.

Strong amnesia accompanies IV sedation so you will have no memory of the procedure. The major downside is that patients who fear needles cannot undergo IV sedation.

Laughing Gas

Laughing gas is an inhalation-style sedative that yet again works to calm you down. Dentists also refer to it as a happy gas, nitrous oxide.

This gas takes about 5 minutes to kick in, so it will be administered before the process. You remain aware of your surroundings and can communicate with your dentist as needed. However, the gas will make you feel dreamlike during the surgery.

Your dentist will give you oxygen to flush out any leftover nitrous oxide in your body. Then you can drive yourself home since the effects wear away immediately after the dental treatment.

General Anesthetic

General anesthesia fits sleep dentistry perfectly as the sedative makes you unconscious during your oral surgery.

A general anesthetic is perfect if you have dental phobia, extreme dental anxiety, or have experienced a traumatic experience with a dentist. You will have no memory of the procedure since the sedative knocks you out of consciousness.

It is a perfect option for a procedure like dental implant placement, especially when the implant, abutment, and crown(s) are to be fitted on the same day. The dentist can do everything much quicker than usual, and you will welcome your new teeth calmly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Sleep Dentistry Cost?

Sleep dentistry cost in Brisbane depends majorly on the type of sedative and the appointment duration. Your initial treatment plan will allow the dentist and specialist to give a suitable quote for your dental procedure.

The costs of sleep dentistry vary from $850 to $1600 when IV sedation is used. You should consult your dentist for a quote specific to your dental needs.

A specialist will monitor your vital signs while you are under the sedative. This will add to the overall cost of undergoing sleep dentistry in Brisbane.

The procedure cost will also be affected by the kind of surgery you are to undergo. A straightforward wisdom tooth extraction will take less time and cost less than, say, a root canal treatment.

Is Dental Sedation Different to a General Anaesthetic?

As seen under the sleep dentistry type section, general anesthesia may be considered a form of sleep dentistry; however, if we are talking about medications, they are not the same.

Dental sedation keeps patients drowsy and calm yet aware of their surroundings. On the other hand, general anesthesia leaves the patient unconscious and with zero memory of the procedure upon completion. Your dentist will advise which is better suited to your treatment plan.

How Will Sedation Dentistry Help Me?

A dental procedure can be successfully carried out without a sedative. However, the need for a sedative medication arises when anxiety and fear govern your dental appointments. Sleep dentistry is perfect if:

  • You have dental phobia or anxiety.
  • You fear the needles and tools used during the procedure.
  • You have a highly sensitive gag reflex.
  • You have an extremely low pain tolerance.
  • You find it hard to sit still during your oral surgeries.

How Much Does It Cost To Be Put Asleep At The Dentist?

The cost of general anesthesia at the dental clinic varies based on your treatment plan.

Can You Be Put To Sleep For Dental Work?

Your dentist may administer general anesthesia to make you unconscious during the procedure.

Is Dental Sedation Worth It?

Depending on your level of dental phobia, dental sedation may be greatly beneficial since it keeps you relaxed throughout the process.

What Do Oral Surgeons Use To Put You To Sleep?

The sedative administered to you depends on your anxiety levels. Some sedative medication examples are Halcion, Nitrous Oxide, Propofol, etc.

Can You Still Feel Pain With Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas calms you, but your dentist or specialist will administer a local anesthetic to numb any pain during your dental procedure.

So many people opt out of their regular dental visits due to anxiety or phobia. Sleep dentistry poses a perfect solution to this. You will be relaxed during the procedure, feel no pain, and have no memory of it.

Doesn’t that sound good? You won’t have to miss any appointment to the detriment of your oral health ever again. Call Moorooka Dental Care if you’re in Brisbane to schedule that due appointment now.

What our patients say

Google Review

I had the most amazing experience. I was nervous about my dental treatment but when I got here they explained it to me and I was put at ease. The work done was amazing and I won't hesitate to return to this clinic. Dr Zaheer and his team were very professional and caring.

I also found his front desk staff Fatimatu and Frances to be very friendly and caring. I would highly recommend this clinic.

Google Review

I had my best dental practice at Moorooka Dental Care! I was very afraid to go to the dentist before I came to this practice. I had a really good experience at this clinic.

Dr Linh was wonderful. She explained the whole treatment and answered all my questions. I also met Frances the receptionist. She was very friendly and made me feel welcome. I had an amazing experience and highly recommend Moorooka Dental Care.

Google Review

The whole team are such a lovely bunch of people! Dr Tina and Casey (I think it's Casey.. correct me if I'm wrong) work so well together and had me laughing before and after my dental work. Everyone is really kind here, from owner to reception staff. I know I'm in good hands when I visit 🙂

Google Review

I had the pleasure of having my dental work done at Moorooka dental care. It has been an amazing experience, Fatimatu at reception was extremely helpful. I was treated by Dr Furqan today and I found him very professional and gentle. I've also seen Dr Reza and Dr Zaheer and found them to be extremely good. I will highly recommend this practice.

Google Review

Fantastic staff. I am a truly anxious patient, and the receptionist, Frances, who took my first contact call, I felt safe. Dr Reza Sunny was so patient with me, allowing me to do tapping when I was overwhelmed, never losing focus, totally understanding. Incredibly kind. Incredibly good dentist. I had cleaning, filling, and removal of a broken molar. Even though I may still get anxious I feel safe returning when needed.

Google Review

This is my first time ever to have a positive comment about a dentist.
I was astonished about the successful outcome of my dental procedure. Thank you Casey and Dr Reza, what a professional and dedicated team. I mentioned to my partner about it, and we went back to the clinic and she made an appointment for herself on the spot. I do not hesitate to recommend to any one the services of Moorooka Dental Care. Thank you all for your friendly attention, starting from the reception all way to the manager. Looking forwards to see you again.

Google Review

Can't thank the team at Moorooka dental care enough for an amazing friendly experience! I have now seen both Dr Reza Sunny for general cosmetics work including fillings to teeth whitening, clean up/check ups. Very good at explaining and being upfront with procedures process and Dr Zaheer who removed both my bottom wisdoms last week did an absolute fantastic job from start to finish. They even went the extra mile to call up and check up on me a few days later to see how my recovery was going. 10/10 for service and pricing. Thanks

Google Review

Moorooka Dental Care is one of the best dental practices I've been to. The team is friendly, the office is modern and clean. I have had the pleasure to be cared by Dr. Zaheer and Dr. Reza. Both are excellent professionals. They took the time to explain the procedures and the subsequent cares. I even got a follow up call from the practice manager, Ahmed, the next day. I highly recommend them!

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Where to find us

Moorooka Dental Care

Shop C, 132 Beaudesert Road,
Moorooka QLD 4105

Tel: (07) 3848 3193

Public Transport:

From the city to Moorooka Dental Care, you may hop on the buses with numbers 110/125/115 /124. If you are travelling from the south side, you may take the buses with the numbers 110/115/117/124/125.

Our practice is 1.9km from the Moorooka train station.

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