Performed by our specialist anaesthetist, patients will be unconscious for the duration of the procedure. All the equipment you would find in a hospital is available on-site to ensure your safety throughout the procedure supervised at all times by our specialist anaesthetist. Patients under general anaesthetics will sleep through their entire dental procedure unaware of the sight, smell and sound easing fear anxiety and discomfort.
General anaesthetic is recommended for more complex procedures which can be determined at your consult appointment.
We understand a visit to the dentist may be daunting but don’t let that prevent you from receiving the treatment that you require.
At PMD Dental Care we offer our patients the choice of receiving their dental treatment under a general anaesthetic or nitrous oxide sedation. A consultation is required to determine whether treatment is possible under these conditions.
Dr. Michael Kotsifakis, our principal dentist, has been practising dentistry under general anaesthesia since 1989 at many private day hospitals (Dandenong Surgicentre, Knox Surgicentre and Melbourne Eastern Private Hospital).
In order to facilitate our patients and to be able to perform in-office dental procedures we have brought the anaesthetics to our respective clinical sites. This allows for most dental procedures to be performed to a higher standard.
This option for sleep dentistry in Melbourne incorporates the use of nitrous oxide inhalation as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety and produce analgesia (pain relief) for the patient. Nitrous oxide is absorbed rapidly, allowing for a rapid onset and recovery.
Nitrous oxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is mixed with oxygen and administered through a small mask placed over your nose. When you inhale the gas it induces a state of relaxation, which helps ease anxiety and discomfort. Nitrous oxide can make your dental experience much more comfortable, making it the best choice if you’re anxious about getting dental treatments.
This is a safe sedation method and its effects wear off quickly after the treatment, allowing our patients to resume their daily activities.
Intravenous sedation is a mild dose of general anaesthetic where patients are sedated but conscious and breathing on their own. The patient is in a twilight state where they are relaxed and “sleepy” but able to follow simple directions given by the dentist and is responsive. The procedure is performed under medical supervision by our specialist anaesthetist.
During IV sedation, a sedative medication is delivered through an intravenous line directly into your bloodstream.
IV sedation is ONLY suitable for small cases such as minor extractions, fillings and general dentistry.
BENEFITS OF SEDATION DENTISTRY
Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, including:
- Anxiety Reduction: It helps anxious patients feel more relaxed, making dental visits less stressful.
- Pain Management: Can effectively control pain, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience.
- Time Efficiency: Our patients can often sit through longer or multiple treatments in a single visit. This reduces the need for multiple appointments
- Minimised Gag Reflex: Sedation helps to reduce the gag reflex, making it easier for our dentists to work on specific areas of your mouth.
- Enhanced Comfort: Patients experience a more comfortable and less stressful dental experience.
- Improves Oral Health: Sleep dentistry makes dental care stress-free for even the most anxious of our patients. This leads to improved oral health because you don’t have to delay seeking treatment because of your dental fear anymore.
Am I a candidate for sleep dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is typically recommended for individuals who experience anxiety or fear related to dental procedures. It is also used for patients who have a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex or a need for lengthy dental treatments.
Candidates might also include individuals with a history of traumatic dental experiences and medical conditions that make sitting for prolonged periods of time challenging. Children and adults who require extensive and complex dental procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or dental implants, also qualify sleep dentistry.
At Port Melbourne Dental, your comfort is our priority. Depending on the treatment needed, your preferences and your unique case needs, we will assess if sleep dentistry is required and which type of sleep dentistry would be best suited for you.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss eligibility and other factors.
Is Sleep Dentistry Safe For Everyone?
Sleep dentistry is performed by our highly trained and experienced dental professionals ensuring your safety, comfort and well-being throughout the treatment. We carefully evaluate several factors such as your medical history and case to determine the most suitable sedation method. It’s essential to have an open and honest conversation with our dentists about any concerns you may have.
Why Choose Port Melbourne Dental
Take a step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile when you choose Port Melbourne Dental for sleep dentistry services and more.
- Our dental team consists of highly experienced professionals who are skilled in a wide range of dental services ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care for your oral health needs.
- Port Melbourne offers a comprehensive range of dental treatments from routine check-ups and cleanings to advanced treatments such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, emergency dental and more.
- Our clinic is equipped with modern technology, which allows for more accurate diagnostics and treatments.
- We tailor treatment plans to suit your unique individual requirements so that you receive the right care.
Our friendly team is always ready to assist patients with urgent needs anytime 7 days a week to accommodate any problems that may arise. Contact our friendly staff on 03 9646 5100.
