Sleep Dentistry in Gosnells: Dental Care Without the Anxiety

If the thought of a dental appointment makes your stomach drop, you're in good company. High dental fear affects about one in six Australian adults, and for some people it's the reason a check-up or a sore tooth keeps getting put off.

Sleep dentistry may help you feel calmer during treatment. No dentist can promise a completely anxiety-free visit and sedation isn't right for everyone, but knowing how it works makes the decision easier. This guide covers your options, the risks, and what to ask a dentist in Gosnells before you book.

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is the everyday name for dental treatment with sedation. The name can be misleading, because most people aren't truly asleep. With conscious sedation, you're deeply relaxed but can still respond when someone speaks to you or touches your arm. Only general anaesthesia makes you fully unconscious.

Sedation is a range rather than a single treatment:

1. Happy gasNitrous oxide and oxygen, breathed through a nose mask. You stay awake and relaxed.
2. Oral sedationA tablet taken before treatment. You feel calm and may be drowsy.
3. IV sedationMedicine given through a vein. You're deeply relaxed and can still respond.
4. General anaesthesiaYou're fully unconscious and can't respond.

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Comparing your sedation options

The right option depends on your health, your level of anxiety and the treatment you need. Your dentist will explain which options suit you.

Who might consider sleep dentistry?

Your dentist may discuss sedation if you:

• have high dental fear or have avoided the dentist for a long time
• have a strong gag reflex or find it hard to stay still in the chair
• have had a difficult dental experience in the past
• need a longer or more complex procedure, such as wisdom tooth removal

Researchers describe a cycle where fear leads to delayed visits, delayed visits can lead to bigger dental problems, and more involved treatment can then add to the fear. Talking to a dentist about your anxiety can be a useful first step, even if you decide against sedation.

Sedation isn't the only way to make a visit easier. You could also ask for a stop signal, regular breaks, a clear explanation of each step, or a first appointment that's only a conversation.

What happens at a sedation appointment?

1. Consultation. Your dentist reviews your health, medicines and past reactions to anaesthetic, then explains your options, risks and fees so you can decide.
2. Preparation. You'll get written instructions about eating, drinking and medicines. These vary by sedation type, so follow them exactly. Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home if your dentist asks you to.
3. Treatment. The sedation is given and you're monitored throughout. Most people also have local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area.
4. Recovery. You stay at the clinic until you're ready to leave. After oral or IV sedation or general anaesthesia, don't drive, use machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions for at least 24 hours, or for as long as your dentist advises.

Risks and side effects

All sedation carries some risk. Your dentist should discuss the risks that apply to you before you agree to treatment.

Common side effects

These usually settle within a day: drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, headache, dry mouth, patchy memory of the appointment, and bruising or tenderness where an IV was placed.

Rare but serious risks

These include slowed breathing, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, and allergic reactions. This is why you should be monitored throughout. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain or severe swelling after treatment, call 000.

Tell your dentist if you

• are or might be pregnant
• have sleep apnoea or a heart or lung condition
• have allergies or have reacted badly to sedation or anaesthetic
• take any medicines, supplements or recreational drugs

Depending on your health, your dentist may suggest a different option, delay treatment or refer you to an anaesthetist.

Questions to ask before you book

In Australia, a dentist needs an endorsement on their registration to provide conscious sedation, and must complete approved training in sedation and medical emergencies before renewing it. You can check a practitioner on the Ahpra public register.

• Who gives the sedation, who does the treatment, and who monitors me?
• Does the sedating dentist hold a conscious sedation endorsement?
• What monitoring and emergency equipment do you have on site?
• Which option do you recommend for me, and what are the alternatives?
• What is the total cost, including sedation?

How much does sleep dentistry cost?

Costs depend on the type of sedation, how long it's needed, the treatment itself, and whether an anaesthetist or hospital is involved. Ask for a written estimate of the total cost, then check with your health fund what you can claim. We accept all major health funds and claim on the spot with HICAPS.

Sleep dentistry at Gosnells Dental Centre

Gosnells Dental Centre offers sleep dentistry for anxious patients at 2/16 Fremantle Rd, Gosnells WA 6110. At your consultation, your dentist will explain which sedation options are available to you and who will provide them.

Gosnells is about 20 km south-east of the Perth CBD. We also see patients from nearby suburbs, including Maddington, Thornlie, Huntingdale, Southern River and Kelmscott.

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Frequently asked questions

This article is general information and doesn't replace advice from your dentist or doctor. All dental treatment carries risks, and suitability and outcomes vary from person to person.