Understanding Sleep Dentistry: A Comprehensive Guide to Sedation Options

When we require dental care, it can often be accompanied by pain, anxiety and fear. Sleep dentistry, offered through Excellence in Dentistry, allows patients to undergo dental procedures, from regular cleanings to more complex surgeries, all within the comfort of sedation options.

There are two options we offer for Brisbane patients, including intravenous conscious sedation, or what we call IV sedation, as well as “happy gas,” or nitrous oxide. With each type of dental sedation, our caring team works closely with you to find the appropriate fit for your health and preferences.

What We Offer: IV Sedation and Happy Gas

Our highly skilled team at Excellence in Dentistry has extensive training in intravenous conscious sedation (IV sedation) and happy gas. We understand our patients may be apprehensive about their dental care appointments and are greatly experienced at calming and relaxing them through each sleep dentistry option.

IV sedation involves the administration of sedative drugs intravenously to induce a state of deep relaxation and drowsiness during dental procedures. This is typically used for higher levels of apprehension and anxiety or more complex procedures. Intravenous sedation usually involves injecting a drug, usually of the anti-anxiety variant, directly into the bloodstream during dental treatment.

Nitrous oxide, or happy gas, is an inhaled sedative that produces a mild euphoric effect and helps alleviate anxiety and discomfort during treatment. While IV sedation offers a deeper level of sedation, happy gas provides a lighter form of relaxation.

The Benefits of Sleep Dentistry

In addition to reduced anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures, patients can expect to experience increased comfort and relaxation during their treatment. There will be minimised discomfort and pain perception, and patients who suffer from dental phobias will generally be more cooperative and less apprehensive, allowing our skilled dental team to be more efficient during the procedure.

IV sedation is administered by a qualified dental or medical professional trained in sedation dentistry. Before treatment, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and assess your suitability for IV sedation. Additionally, vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.

Happy gas will also be applied by a trained professional and administered through a mask that is placed over the mouth and nose. It has long been used in dentistry to help patients feel more relaxed, and the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed.

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.