Northern Beaches Dental Sedation & Sleep Dentistry
To support patient comfort during dental procedures, sedation options may be available for suitable patients. These may be considered for individuals who experience dental anxiety or require more complex treatment.
Sedation options may include:
- Oral sedation
- Intravenous (IV) sedation
All sedation is provided following a clinical assessment and discussion of medical history, suitability, risks and alternatives.
What is Intravenous (IV) Sedation?
IV sedation involves the administration of sedative medication through a vein to help patients feel more relaxed during dental treatment.
This form of sedation is sometimes referred to as “twilight sedation”. Patients remain responsive and able to follow instructions, although they may feel drowsy and have limited memory of the procedure.
Sedative medications act on the central nervous system to support relaxation. The level of sedation varies between individuals and depends on clinical factors.
What to Expect
Our sedation technician is a specially trained dentist who carries out the IV administration and monitors Blood Pressure, Oxygen Saturation, Pulse Rate and an ECG both before and during the dental procedure. Pain relieving medication is administered through the IV line and instant relaxation is felt within a few minutes so the dentist may begin the procedure. Local anesthetic is only administered once sedation is underway so there is no awareness of any needles.
When Might Sedation Be Used?
Sedation may be considered for a range of procedures, including:
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Tooth extractions
- Restorative treatments
- Dental implant procedures
Not all patients or procedures require sedation. Suitability is determined following assessment by a qualified practitioner.
Pre & Post Care for Dental Sedation
Prior to sedation, patients are typically required to follow specific instructions, which may include fasting for a period of time. Your clinician will provide guidance based on your individual medical history.
After treatment, recovery times vary between individuals. Patients are usually required to be accompanied by a responsible adult and should avoid driving or operating machinery for a period following sedation.
Detailed pre- and post-care instructions will be provided before your appointment.
Important Information
All procedures involving sedation carry risks. Suitability for sedation varies between individuals and is determined following a comprehensive medical and dental assessment by a registered dental practitioner.
This information is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical or dental advice.