Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Sleep Dentistry

The effects of IV sedation can last for several hours after treatment, which means you must have transportation after your appointment. We also encourage you not to operate machinery or make any important life decisions on the day of treatment.

Before your dentist approves you for IV sedation, we take a thorough health history, including a list of recent diagnoses and medications, to ensure you are suitable for sedation dentistry in Prahran.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry in Prahran?

Your dentist may recommend IV sedation for the following reasons:

• You have dental anxiety or a phobia.
• You undergo multiple treatments during a single appointment.
•  You have an exaggerated gag reflex.
•  You are undergoing an invasive procedure.

Sedation dentistry, specifically IV sedation, helps streamline your appointment, and you may feel that it went by quickly.

What Causes Dental Phobia?

Dental phobia or anxiety may stem from an event in childhood, be an extension of general anxiety or we may never learn the actual cause.

Fortunately, our dental team understands the anxiety associated with dental care and always offers gentle and compassionate treatment.

Are You Ready to Book a Consultation?

If you have a treatment on the horizon and would like to learn more about IV sedation dentistry in Prahran, we invite you to call us on (03) 9510 1644 to arrange a consultation.

Sleep dentistry doesn’t necessarily mean being fully ‘asleep.’ It actually covers a range of sedation levels, and we customise the type and depth to meet your needs.

For instance, mild sedation, like oral sedation, involves taking a pill before your procedure. You’ll remain fully awake yet feel very relaxed. Many patients describe it as feeling ‘floaty’ or calm, similar to deep meditation. It’s great if you’re a bit nervous but prefer to stay aware of what’s happening. You’ll be conscious and able to communicate with your dentist while feeling less tense and more at ease.

For deeper relaxation, IV sedation offers a ‘twilight sleep.’ You won’t be fully unconscious, but you’ll feel deeply relaxed and comfortable. You can respond to simple instructions if needed, but you won’t feel pain, and most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure. This option is ideal for longer or more complex treatments, as it helps you breeze through with no stress or discomfort.

Safe Sleep Dentistry in Melbourne, VIC

After any sedation, you may feel groggy, so it’s best to have someone drive you home and plan for a restful day. We’ll review all your sedation options beforehand and answer any questions so you feel informed and comfortable. To explore a calm, stress-free dental experience, we invite you to call (03) 9510 1644 to arrange a consultation.

Yes, IV sedation is extremely safe when administered by a qualified professional in a properly equipped dental practice. At Lifetime Dental in Prahran, an experienced anaesthetist oversees your dental sedation, monitoring your vital signs throughout the entire procedure.

Your Safety During IV Sedation

Your safety is our top priority during IV sedation. Before treatment, the anaesthetist reviews your complete medical history, current medications and any allergies to ensure sedation is appropriate for you.

During your procedure, the anaesthetist continuously monitors your vital signs, including blood oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing. One way IV sedation enhances your safety is that the anaesthetist can adjust the level in real-time. If you need slightly more or less medication, they can respond immediately.

Who Should Avoid IV Sedation?

While IV sedation is safe for most patients, we may take extra precautions or recommend alternative approaches for specific medical conditions. Please discuss IV sedation carefully with your dentist and anaesthetist if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have severe respiratory conditions like sleep apnoea or COPD
• Have certain heart conditions
• Take medications that interact with sedatives

IV Sedation Recovery and Aftercare

After your sedation procedure, you'll rest in the office until the anaesthetist confirms you're ready to leave. You'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for several hours. Most patients feel back to normal within 24 hours.

Do you still have questions about IV sedation in Prahran? Our team would be happy to answer them for you, and we're available at (03) 9510 1644.

IV sedation can be used for virtually any dental procedure, from routine cleanings to complex surgical treatments. It's beneficial for lengthy appointments, multiple procedures completed in one visit or any treatment that causes significant anxiety.

Standard Procedures Performed Under IV Sedation

Many patients at Lifetime Dental in Prahran choose IV sedation for the following treatments:

• Dental implant placement
• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Extensive restorative work
• Gum disease treatment
• Full mouth rehabilitation

Who Is IV Sedation For?

Beyond the type of procedure, any of the following individuals may find IV sedation especially effective for their situation: 

• Patients with severe dental anxiety who have avoided care for years
• Anyone with a strong gag reflex that interferes with treatment
• People who want to complete extensive dental work in the fewest appointments
• Those who have difficulty getting numb with traditional local anaesthetics

Can IV Sedation Be Used for Simple Procedures?

IV sedation is typically associated with longer or more complex treatments; however, patients with significant anxiety can request it for routine procedures like fillings or cleanings. There's no judgment at Lifetime Dental in Prahran—if IV sedation helps you get the dental care you need, it's the right choice regardless of how simple the procedure might seem.

Please call us if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment.