Sleep Dentistry : Wake Up to a Better Smile
～ With Supercare’s expert sleep dentistry, you can now dream your way to a perfect smile～
As children, who among us hasn’t been afraid of going to the dentist? The sound of the dentist’s drill, the whitewashed cabins and 100 different instruments, each seemingly more terrifying than the last. It is common for these fears to spill over into adulthood as well, making us neglect our oral health and avoid the dentist like the plague.
At Supercare Dental & Cosmetics, we understand that anxiety is a valid emotion when it comes to visiting the dentist. Therefore, we make it our mission to make our patients as comfortable as possible. And, sleep dentistry is a medical procedure that allows us to do the same.
Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry or relaxation dentistry, is a dental practice that involves the use of medications to help patients relax and remain calm during dental procedures.
The primary goal of sedation dentistry is to alleviate anxiety and discomfort, making dental treatments more tolerable for individuals who may have dental phobias, anxiety disorders, or a low pain threshold. It is also ideal for patients undergoing lengthy or invasive dental procedures.
Overall, sedation dentistry has proven to be an effective tool in helping individuals receive the dental care they need while minimising the anxiety and discomfort they feel.
Sedation Dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At Supercare Dental & Cosmetics, we offer the following two safe sedation options to help you relax during your dental treatment :
- IV Sedation- IV sedation is a safe and effective way to help you relax deeply during dental procedures. Administered through an intravenous line, it reduces anxiety and minimises pain perception. While you remain conscious, you’ll feel calm and have limited memory of the procedure.
- Penthrox– Penthrox is a quick-acting inhaled sedative that provides rapid pain relief and relaxation. It’s an excellent option for managing dental anxiety and discomfort, taking effect within a few breaths and wearing off quickly after use.
Our experts will help you choose the most suitable method for your treatment needs to ensure a stress-free dental experience.
We provide the following amenities to ensure your absolute comfort when you visit a Supercare clinic:
- Noise abatement headphones
- Flavoured painkillers
- Warm and comforting atmosphere
- Authorised relaxation methods
- Animals or plush toys available as distractions during procedure
- Ceiling screens with streaming services
Whether you are a young patient or an adult, visiting for a first-time consultation or a regular visitor, looking for teeth cleaning or root canal, our dentists are dedicated to make you feel at home in a Supercare clinic.
Sleep dentistry involves administering sedative medications to help patients relax or sleep during dental procedures. The level of sedation varies from mild relaxation to deep sleep, depending on the patient’s needs and the procedure’s complexity.
- Common methods in sleep dentistry include:
- Inhaled sedation (nitrous oxide)
- Oral sedation (pills or liquid medication)
- Intravenous (IV) sedation, or
- General anaesthesia
These techniques alleviate anxiety, minimise pain perception, and ensure patients are comfortable and calm throughout the dental treatment. Our trained professionals closely monitor vital signs to ensure safety, making dental visits more manageable for those with dental anxiety or extensive dental work.
At Supercare Dental & Cosmetics, your first session is on us!
We offer complimentary primary consultations where our dentist will assess your oral health, medical history, and address your dental concerns, if any. Accordingly, they will prepare a treatment plan for you after thoroughly understanding your dental situation through comprehensive X-rays and other means.
During this visit, if it is required, we will also explain the benefits of sedation dentistry and help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
At Supercare Dental & Cosmetics, your peace of mind is our priority. Our experienced team, state-of-the-art technology, and a range of sedation options combine to create a dental experience that puts your safety first.
We ensure that you are welcomed with a warm atmosphere and even warmer staff when you first enter a Supercare clinic. Our dentists make sure that the treatments proposed are as minimally invasive as possible. We are all here to help you out so that you smile and feel your very best.
Exploring Different Sedation Dentistry Types
Sedation Dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all solution. At Supercare Dental & Cosmetics, we offer the following two safe sedation options to help you relax during your dental treatment:
Our experts will help you choose the most suitable method for your treatment needs to ensure a stress-free dental experience.
Techniques that are painless and safe for you!
Trust us to provide you with the gentle care you deserve.
We follow the required Anxiolysis guidelines issued by the Dental Board of Australia and our doctors possess a sound knowledge of sedation techniques and their usage. We take great care to ensure that inappropriate sedatives are not combined with each other. Moreover, as a patient, you are given the sole control of your inhaler. Incase of penthrox usage, you will be monitored for about 24 hrs post-surgery.
Exploring IV Sedation Option
IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a medical technique used to induce a state of deep relaxation and reduced consciousness during dental or medical procedures. It involves administering sedative medications directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous line. During the treatment, patients remain conscious and often enter a dream-like state and experience a profound sense of calm and reduced anxiety.
IV sedation helps alleviate discomfort and ensures patients are more comfortable during procedures, making it particularly useful for those with dental anxiety or undergoing extensive dental treatments. The IV Sedation procedure is closely monitored by our trained professionals to ensure your safety and treatment effectiveness.
Understanding Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a convenient and effective way to manage dental anxiety. Here are some of the best benefits of oral sedation:
- Deep Relaxation: IV sedation provides a high level of relaxation, making it suitable for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive dental work.
- Reduced Pain Perception: While not a primary pain reliever, IV sedation can reduce pain perception during the procedure.
- Amnesia Effect: Many patients have limited memory of the procedure, which can be comforting for those who are anxious.
With Supercare’s careful dentistry, you will discover the calm and comfort you deserve.
Sleep Dentistry Costs and Details
The cost of sleep dentistry in and around Sydney, Australia varies depending on the type of sedation used, the length of the procedure, and the complexity of the dental work being performed. However, in general, sleep dentistry is more expensive than traditional dental care.
You can expect one session that requires sleep dentistry to cost anywhere between AUD $850 to $2500, considering both conscious sedation and general anaesthesia.
What does sleep dentistry entail?
The sleep dentistry procedure involves administering sedative medications to induce relaxation or sleep during dental procedures. After a consultation and sedation preparation, the procedure will be performed while you’re comfortably sedated. You will be closely monitored for safety. Post-procedure, the sedation will be reversed, allowing you to recover. Overall, sleep dentistry ensures patient comfort and addresses dental concerns effectively, making it ideal for those with anxiety or undergoing complex treatments.
Access Your Super to Manage Your Dental Expenses with Ease
You can use your Super through the Early Release of Superannuation (ERS) to pay for your sleep dentistry procedure. However, to be eligible for ERS for sleep dentistry, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a medical need for sleep dentistry.
- You must be unable to afford the cost of sleep dentistry without accessing your superannuation savings.
- You must have exhausted all other options for paying for the treatment, such as health insurance or government assistance.
Our professionals at Supercare are here to help you with your ERS and related processes, including the provision of a medical certificate.
Post-Sedation Dental Care
Your care does not simply end when the sedation wears off. Post-sedation dental care involves taking specific steps to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery after a sedated dental procedure. This includes closely following any post-operative instructions provided by your dentist. Common aspects of post-sedation dental care may include rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and following dietary guidelines if applicable.
It’s essential to have someone to drive you home if you have had sedation that affects your ability to operate a vehicle. Proper post-sedation care helps minimise potential side effects and ensures a smooth recovery while maintaining the benefits of sedation during the procedure.
Sleep Dentistry FAQs
Dental anaesthesia is used to numb the area and typically does not cause pain. The initial injection may cause a brief discomfort similar to a pinch, but it numbs the area, ensuring a painless dental procedure.
Yes, with Supercare, sleep dentistry involving sedation or anaesthesia is completely safe, as it is carefully administered by our trained professionals. They follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety during sedation or anaesthesia, making it a generally safe option for dental procedures.
Dentists use various methods to induce sleep or deep relaxation during dental procedures:
- Oral sedation: Medications in pill or liquid form are given to induce relaxation and drowsiness.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation: Sedative drugs are administered through an IV for deeper relaxation.
- General anaesthesia: Dentists work with an anesthesiologist to provide general anaesthesia, which renders the patient completely unconscious and asleep during the procedure.
The choice depends on your anxiety level, the complexity of the procedure, and the dental profesisonal’s expertise.
Several strategies can help alleviate dental anxiety:
- Communication: Discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist beforehand to establish trust and understanding.
- Relaxation techniques: Practise deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety.
- Sedation options: Ask about sedation dentistry options like oral sedatives or nitrous oxide to help you relax.
- Distraction: Bring headphones and listen to soothing music or an audiobook during the procedure.
- Regular dental visits: Consistent check-ups can reduce anxiety by preventing major dental issues.
- Supportive dentist: Choose a dentist experienced in treating anxious patients who can offer a calm and reassuring environment.
- Medication: In some cases, anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a healthcare professional can be helpful.