Lifetime Dental

Biological Dentists in Melbourne, VIC

Holistic and Aesthetic Dentistry

Lifetime Dental > Services > Sleep Dentistry

Do dental visits make you nervous? Sleep dentistry at Lifetime Dental can turn your experience into one of calm and comfort. With our sedation options in Prahran, VIC, caring for your smile has never been easier.

child relaxing in prahran, VIC, after sleep dentistry

Sleep Dentistry in Prahran

patient at Lifetime Dental relaxing after sleep dentistry At Lifetime Dental, we offer sedation dentistry in Prahran, VIC, to help patients with dental phobias or those needing extensive work receive the dental care they need. For some, just walking through the door can be a major hurdle—but we're here to help you! We invite you to call us for more information or request an appointment online.

Our Sedation Dentistry Solutions

At Lifetime Dental, we understand that dental visits can be challenging for some patients. That's why our caring team offers a range of gentle, stress-free sedation options to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Our sedation options are tailored to meet each patient's unique comfort needs:

Nitrous Oxide ('Laughing Gas') — Ideal for those with mild anxiety, nitrous oxide provides gentle, calming effects during your treatment. You'll remain fully awake and aware but feel more relaxed.
Oral Sedation — For those who prefer a stronger calming effect, oral sedation can be taken before your visit to promote a deeply relaxed state while you remain conscious. It's a great option for reducing anxiety without fully 'going under.'
IV Sedation ('Twilight Sleep') — Perfect for patients with high anxiety or for longer procedures, IV sedation places you in a state of deep relaxation, where you'll be blissfully unaware of your surroundings but still responsive. You'll feel like you've drifted into a peaceful nap.

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry

If the thought of a dental visit makes you feel uneasy, sleep dentistry could be just what you need. Our friendly dentists in Prahran, VIC, use safe sedation to help you drift into a calm, dream-like state. This can help make it easier than ever to get the care your smile deserves without the stress.

Deep Relaxation

Sleep dentistry lets you relax into a calm, almost dream-like state, making your visit easy and worry-free. Simply lean back, get comfortable and leave your smile in our caring hands.

Relaxing and Comfortable

Thanks to sedation, you won’t feel or hear a thing during your procedure. Even treatments that might usually feel uncomfortable are completely manageable.

Quick Recovery

After a short recovery, you’ll be ready to head home without any lingering side effects. Just bring along a friend or family member to drive, and you’ll be back to your day in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be fully asleep with sleep dentistry?

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.

How long do the effects of IV sedation last?

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.

Is IV sedation safe?

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.

What procedures is IV sedation used for?

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.

Safety and Expertise Prahran Patients Trust

dentists during sleep dentistry procedure in Prahran Your safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to providing a stress-free, comfortable experience. Our sedation services are administered by a skilled and experienced anaesthetist who monitors you throughout your visit, delivering the same high level of care you’d expect in a hospital setting. Our Prahran dental practice is equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology, so you can rest assured that you’re in excellent hands from start to finish.

A Safe and Convenient Process

With our in-house sedation dentistry, there’s no need to worry about the hassle of hospital admissions or long waiting times. When you arrive at our clinic, we handle everything, allowing you to simply relax. After your treatment, you’ll only need a short recovery period of around 20–30 minutes before you’re ready to head home.

All we ask is that you bring along a friend or family member who can drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day to ensure your comfort and safety. Our goal is to make dental care as convenient and accessible as possible—so you can take care of your smile without any added stress.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Chris Darby

Chris Darby, the founder and principal dentist of Lifetime Dental, graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1984. He focuses heavily on TMD, non-extraction orthodontics, sleep apnoea and snoring, bringing ...

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Dr Ben Olstein

Dr Ben Olstein is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with his patients. He attended Melbourne High School and earned his Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the ...

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Dr Charlie Kong

Dr Charlie Kong has been helping patients feel confident in their smiles since 2014. He’s passionate about treating people with care and dignity and always strives to solve each dental ...

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Kristina

Kristina is a skilled dental hygienist with extensive experience in the field. She began as a dental therapist in 1997, and in 2000, she became dually qualified as a therapist ...

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Marrion

Marrion is a dental nurse who has worked in dentistry since 2017 and has been a valued member of our practice since 2022. Trained in the Philippines, Marrion plays a ...

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Sleep Dentistry Technology

patient receiving sleep dentistry at dentist in prahran

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide sedation, or 'laughing gas,' is a safe and gentle way to help you feel relaxed during your dental treatment. It’s inhaled through a small mask, taking effect quickly to ease any anxiety and make you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. One of the best things about nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off almost immediately after removing the mask so that you can carry on with your day without any lingering drowsiness. Perfect for patients of all ages, nitrous oxide is a stress-free, calming experience that makes dental visits a breeze!

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Ready to Chat with Our Sedation Dentists in Prahran, VIC

Don’t let dental anxiety stand in the way of achieving a healthy, beautiful smile you love. Whether you’re due for a check-up, need a specific treatment or simply want to learn more about how sleep dentistry can help, our friendly team is here for you every step of the way.

We warmly invite you to arrange an appointment or give us a call for a relaxed, pressure-free chat about how our sedation options can make your visit a positive experience.

Blogs

anxious patient at ease before sedation dentistry in Prahan

September 15, 2025

Your Guide to IV Sedation Dentistry at Lifetime Dental

Feeling fearful about visiting the dentist? You're not alone! Many people feel this way, and that's why, at Lifetime Dental, we offer several options for dental sedation that help patients get the treatment they need, regardless of their level of anxiety.

Today, we're going to discuss intravenous (IV) sedation, which offers the highest level of comfort and relaxation, as if you were sleeping throughout your procedure. If you need multiple procedures to restore your dental health, intravenous (IV) sedation may be the solution you need. Here's what you should ...