Sleep Dentistry

1 Introduction

Sleep Dentistry Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney

As an industry leader in dental sedation, I’ve dedicated my practice to helping patients feel calm, safe, and completely at ease throughout their treatment.

Dr Peter Poulos

If dental anxiety or fears are stopping you from getting dental treatment, then sleep dentistry might be your answer. Our goal at Sydney Cosmetic Dentist is for our patients to get the treatment they need in a comfortable and relaxed setting.

While not for everyone, sleep dentistry services are enormously helpful for patients who need treatment but have a difficult time getting to the dentist due to anxiety. With the right treatment plan that includes sedation services, some patients may even overcome their dental fears and begin enjoying oral health for life.

2 Sleep Dentistry

What is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is a service that uses intravenous (IV) sedation medications to help the patient feel as relaxed as possible, and in some cases, the patient may completely fall asleep. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with sedation dentistry treatments, which we will cover in this article.

3 SLEEP AND SEDATION DENTISTRY

Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry

Sleep and sedation dentistry services use specific medications to help the patient relax. Today’s medications are safe, and when you come to Sydney Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Peter Poulos will see to it that you are carefully monitored during the entire treatment. The following explanations are to clarify the differences between sleep and sedation dentistry:
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Sleep dentistry

induces sleep with the use of IV-administered general anaesthesia. This is not commonly used as today’s methods for alleviating pain have greatly improved, but it may be used for complex dental procedures such as removing four impacted wisdom teeth, for example.

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Sedation dentistry

is the most commonly used relaxation method for dental procedures and may be administered with oral medications or IV. The patient is induced into a very relaxed state and may not even remember the treatment once it is complete. Another term for sedation is twilight dentistry.
While the goal of sleep dentistry and sedation treatments is to alleviate fear and stress, we know the ultimate goal is to help patients get the treatments they need, and we are here to help.

Risks and Recovery

Sleep dentistry uses sedation to help patients feel relaxed during treatment, and like all medical procedures, it has risks and recovery considerations.

Possible risks include:

  • Nausea, drowsiness or dizziness following sedation
  • Dry mouth or headache after the procedure
  • In rare cases, allergic reaction or breathing difficulties related to sedative medications
  • Temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate, which are monitored during treatment

Recovery considerations:

  • Patients may feel drowsy for several hours after the procedure
  • Driving or operating machinery is not permitted for 24 hours after sedation
  • A responsible adult must accompany the patient home
  • Normal activities can usually be resumed the following day, depending on the procedure performed

4 Methods

Methods of Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

There are a variety of methods or medications that may be used to induce relaxation and help reduce anxiety. Each patient has unique needs and will require customised sedation dentistry methods. The following are some methods used:
Methods of Sedation and Sleep Dentistry in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney - Sydney Cosmetic Dentist

Methods of Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

Methods of Sedation and Sleep Dentistry in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney - Sydney Cosmetic Dentist

There are a variety of methods or medications that may be used to induce relaxation and help reduce anxiety.

Each patient has unique needs and will require customised sedation dentistry methods. The following are some methods used:

Medications for anti-anxiety

may be prescribed for some patients, while others may prefer a muscle relaxant to calm physical symptoms of stress. These are best discussed with Dr Peter Poulos before the treatment in which you require sleep or sedation dentistry services.

Nitrous oxide or happy gas

is the most common type of sedation dentistry method and one of the easiest to administer. It has a quick onset, so we can begin relaxing you right before your treatment, and it has a quick recovery, so you can drive home shortly after your dental treatment. A mask is applied to the nose, and then a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide will be administered based on the patient’s personal requirements.

IV Sedation

is administered through an intravenous drip and must be monitored during the entire treatment to keep you safe and relaxed. Many patients will not recall the treatment, which is an effective method to help many overcome dental anxiety and fears.

General anaesthesia

is also administered with an IV. This is true sleep dentistry and is reserved for complicated or complex treatments and oral surgeries, and the patient is monitored during the entire treatment.

5 PRICE LIST

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6 Benefits

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry or Sedation

Benefits Of Sleep Dentistry Or Sedation in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney - Sydney Cosmetic Dentist

Sleep and sedation dentistry is a beneficial service for patients with dental fears or anxieties. It can help those who need multiple treatments and can even save you time and money.

When sedation is used as an adjunct to dental treatments, the work can be done in a shorter time. And most importantly, it can help patients who have neglected their oral health to get the treatment they need.

Benefits Of Sleep Dentistry Or Sedation in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney - Sydney Cosmetic Dentist
The following are some areas in which sedation and sleep dentistry can help:
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Patients with dental phobias

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Strong gag reflex
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Resistance to local anaesthesia
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Jaw problems that may be aggravated during dental treatment
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Complex treatments such as impacted wisdom teeth

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Those with low pain tolerance
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Fear of needles
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Patients with GAD or general anxiety disorders
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Get multiple treatments done in one visit

Many patients who use sedation dentistry find that treatments are not as painful or distressful as they originally thought. Because of this, we can methodically use less or lighter sedation methods so they can continue treatments until they no longer need sedation. And having regular dental checkups and cleanings can help us identify small problems quickly so we can treat them while keeping worse problems at bay.

If any of the above descriptions fit you, talk to Dr Peter Poulos about sedation or sleep dentistry to see if it may be a good solution for your needs. Keep in mind that many treatments that are perceived as being painful can be controlled with local anaesthetics. However, each patient has unique needs, and we will help you get the treatment you need with the comfort you deserve.

7 FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to recover from sedation or general anaesthetic?

Most patients feel drowsy for several hours afterward. Full recovery usually occurs within 24 hours, although some people may take longer depending on the procedure.
Payment Plans In Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney - Sydney Cosmetic Dentist

8 CONTACT US

Get the Dental Treatment You Need Today

Sleep Dentistry In Bondi, Bondi Junction, Sydney Sydney Cosmetic Dentist

If you have neglected your oral health, need multiple dental treatments, or fear dental treatments, don’t worry.

We have options for you. Call us today.

You will be treated with compassion and a gentle touch as we help restore your oral health.

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.

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