Sleep Dentistry

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry involves sedation or anaesthesia to induce a state of twilight sedation, or even sleep, helping to reduce anxiety and awareness during dental procedures.

 

Sleep dentistry allows your dentist to perform your entire treatment plan whilst you are under sedation, eliminating any discomfort and allowing multiple procedures to be completed at once. 

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What are the benefits of sleep dentistry?

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Reduced anxiety

For patients who are nervous at the prospect of relatively minor treatments, entering a state of twilight sedation can allow you to completely relax – in fact the majority of patients do not remember the procedure once they’re awake.

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More efficient treatment

Sleep dentistry allows your dentist to work more efficiently, often allowing us to complete all your dental work within one visit. This is a great option for people who are too busy to attend multiple appointments. There are a few instances where separate appointments will still be required, such as in the case of crown work.

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What procedures can be performed under sedation?

Sleep dentistry is an option for any kind of dental procedure, depending on the needs of each patient. For people with severe anxiety or phobia around dental procedures, sleep dentistry can be administered to make even minor procedures more relaxing.

 

Sleep dentistry is also a great option for major procedures, or for people who are time poor, allowing you to have your entire treatment plan completed at Smiles of Lalor Dentistry, without having to go elsewhere for sedation treatment.

 

All aspects of dental treatment can be completed under twilight sedation including fillings, gum treatment, root canal therapy, crown and smile makeovers, implants and extractions.

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What is the sleep dentistry treatment process?

At Smiles of Lalor, sleep dentistry procedures are run by our specialist anaesthetist who will administer the sedative and provide expert medical supervision throughout the entire procedure.

 

The kind of sedation technique used will depend on the treatment being performed and the individual needs of each patient. Before scheduling your sleep dentistry appointment, we will discuss the various options and develop a personalised treatment plan to suit you.

 

The entire team at Smiles of Lalor is dedicated providing personalised patient care and will ensure your entire procedure is as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

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01. Treatment consultation

The first step is to book a consultation to assess what dental work is required and discuss your sedation options. During this consultation we will take x-rays and document the dental treatment required.

 

During your consultation you will be provided with an estimate for your treatment and the time required to complete your procedure. If you wish to proceed, we will schedule your sleep dentistry appointment.

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02. Preparing for your treatment

As with any kind of anaesthesia, you will be required to fast before your treatment. Our anaesthetist will be in touch the day prior to your treatment to let you know when to begin your fast and to answer any questions you may have.



You will be unable to drive or operate heavy machinery for a period of 24 hours after your sedation, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive and pick you up from your appointment.

 

We’ll also need to know your weight in order to administer the correct dosage of anaesthetic, so make sure to come with this information on hand.

 

To make sure you’re as relaxed and comfortable as possible we recommend you wear loose clothing.

 

03. During your treatment

During your treatment the anaesthetist will administer the sedative via an IV drip into your arm or hand, to induce a state of twilight sedation. The sedative will make you feel calm, sleepy and completely relaxed by slowing the central nervous system.

 

To enhance your comfort throughout the treatment we’ll provide you with noise cancelling headphones and cover you with blankets as it’s common to get chilly during sedation treatments.

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04. Following your treatment

When you wake up from sedation you’re unlikely to have any recollection of your procedure.

 

After your dental procedure has been completed, you’ll be taken to a comfortable recovery area where you’ll be monitored until you’re ready to go home.

 

How you feel post-procedure will depend on a range of factors. You may be prescribed medication and will be given a personalised instruction sheet detailing important post-operative care and recovery information.