Sleep Dentistry at Taylors Lakes, Keilor, & Sydenham
When Standard Local Anaesthesia Is Not Enough
For most dental treatment, local anaesthesia is sufficient. Some situations call for more.
A patient with severe dental anxiety. A long, complex case that would otherwise take many separate appointments. A strong gag reflex. Sedation and general anaesthesia options exist to make treatment accessible in these situations.
Sedation and General Anaesthesia, Defined Clearly
The term “sleep dentistry” is often used as a general description, but the underlying treatments are distinct, with different effects, risks, and recovery profiles.
Nitrous oxide (sometimes called happy gas) is inhaled during treatment. You remain fully awake and able to respond, but more relaxed. Effects wear off within minutes of stopping.
Oral sedation uses a prescribed tablet taken before the appointment. You stay awake but drowsy and relaxed. Memory of the procedure is often reduced.
IV sedation (intravenous) is administered through a cannula by a trained practitioner. You remain conscious but very relaxed, with reduced awareness of the procedure. Monitoring continues throughout.
General anaesthesia is administered by a registered anaesthetist in an appropriate facility. You are fully unconscious for the procedure. This is medically distinct from natural sleep and carries the standard risks of general anaesthesia.
Suitability for each option depends on your medical history, the treatment involved, and individual factors. Not every option is available for every patient or every procedure.
Could Sedation Suit Your Treatment?
At Taylors Lakes Dental House, we believe patients with significant treatment needs or strong anxiety deserve options. The situations below come up most often during sedation consultations.
How Your Treatment Unfolds
Whilst the specifics depend on the type of sedation chosen, here is the general shape of the process.
Comprehensive Pre-Sedation Assessment
Review of your medical history, current medications, allergies, and the treatment you need. This is the stage where we determine which sedation options are appropriate for your case. (1 visit, approximately 45 to 60 minutes)
Sedation Planning
We walk you through the recommended option, the preparation involved (fasting, medication timing, who needs to come with you), the cost, and the recovery picture. Risks of each option are discussed in detail. (Same visit or follow-up, approximately 15 to 30 minutes)
Pre-Treatment Preparation
For oral sedation, prescriptions are provided in advance with specific timing instructions. For IV sedation or general anaesthesia, fasting and other preparation requirements apply. (Variable, based on chosen option)
Treatment Day
The chosen sedation method is administered, monitoring is in place throughout the procedure, and the planned dental work is carried out while you are relaxed or asleep, depending on the option. (Single extended appointment, duration varies based on treatment)
Recovery and Discharge
Recovery is monitored before you leave. You will not be permitted to leave on your own, regardless of how alert you feel. A responsible adult must accompany you home. (Recovery time varies by sedation type, typically 30 to 120 minutes)
Follow-Up Care
Post-treatment review checks healing and any concerns from the procedure, and confirms the next steps for ongoing care. (Follow-up visits as needed)
Comprehensive Pre-Sedation Assessment
Review of your medical history, current medications, allergies, and the treatment you need. This is the stage where we determine which sedation options are appropriate for your case. (1 visit, approximately 45 to 60 minutes)
Sedation Planning
We walk you through the recommended option, the preparation involved (fasting, medication timing, who needs to come with you), the cost, and the recovery picture. Risks of each option are discussed in detail. (Same visit or follow-up, approximately 15 to 30 minutes)
Pre-Treatment Preparation
For oral sedation, prescriptions are provided in advance with specific timing instructions. For IV sedation or general anaesthesia, fasting and other preparation requirements apply. (Variable, based on chosen option)
Treatment Day
The chosen sedation method is administered, monitoring is in place throughout the procedure, and the planned dental work is carried out while you are relaxed or asleep, depending on the option. (Single extended appointment, duration varies based on treatment)
Recovery and Discharge
Recovery is monitored before you leave. You will not be permitted to leave on your own, regardless of how alert you feel. A responsible adult must accompany you home. (Recovery time varies by sedation type, typically 30 to 120 minutes)
Follow-Up Care
Post-treatment review checks healing and any concerns from the procedure, and confirms the next steps for ongoing care. (Follow-up visits as needed)
Risks & Recovery
Sedation and general anaesthesia carry real risks. Understanding them is part of giving informed consent before going ahead.
Possible risks include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness following sedation, particularly with IV options and general anaesthesia
- Drowsiness for several hours after the procedure
- Dry mouth, sore throat, or mild headache after the procedure
- Allergic reaction to sedative medications, which is uncommon but possible
- Breathing difficulties during the procedure, which is why monitoring and trained staff are in place throughout
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate during sedation, monitored continuously
- For general anaesthesia, the standard risks of any general anaesthetic apply, including rare but serious complications
- Some patients respond differently than expected to sedation medications
Practical considerations:
- Fasting is required for IV sedation and general anaesthesia, typically 6 hours for food and 2 hours for clear fluids
- A responsible adult must accompany you home after any sedation
- Driving, operating machinery, signing legal documents, and being responsible for others (such as childcare) are not permitted for 24 hours
- You may have reduced memory of the procedure, particularly with IV sedation and general anaesthesia
- Some medications and medical conditions affect which sedation options are available to you
- Pregnancy affects some sedation choices, particularly nitrous oxide
- The cost of sedation is in addition to the cost of the dental treatment itself
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Any questions?
Will I remember the procedure?
It depends on the type of sedation. With nitrous oxide, you stay fully aware and will remember the appointment. With oral sedation, you remain awake but memory may be reduced. With IV sedation, memory is often significantly reduced. With general anaesthesia, you are unconscious and will not have memory of the procedure itself. Individual responses vary.
Is sedation suitable for children?
Some sedation options can be appropriate for children, depending on their age, the treatment needed, and their individual situation. Suitability requires careful assessment and is not a default option for paediatric dental care. We discuss this at consultation when relevant.
How do I prepare?
Preparation depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide requires minimal preparation. Oral sedation requires you to take the medication at a specific time and arrange a driver. IV sedation and general anaesthesia require fasting, loose comfortable clothing, no jewellery, and arranged transportation. Detailed instructions are provided based on your treatment plan.
Making Your Smile Affordable
We offer flexible payment plans to suit your budget. Get the dental care you need, when you need it.
Our Promise To You
Same day emergency dental guarantee*
A caring, gentle approach at every appointment
5 Years warranty on major dentistry*
Advanced technology for your comfort
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
The first step is a proper consultation, where we can review your medical history, your treatment needs, and the sedation options that may suit your case. Get in touch with our Taylors Lakes team to book a time.
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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