I haven’t heard of sleep dentistry before. Is it new?
No. Sleep Dentistry at our Melbourne clinics involves the use of general anaesthetic to put patients asleep to have dental treatment. It is used for a range of medical procedures, including endoscopies, bronchoscopies and colonoscopies. This is particularly helpful for people who suffer from dental anxiety, special needs or general dislike and discomfort around going to the dentist. Not all clinics offer sleep dentistry in Melbourne as it is rather a specialised service requiring an extensive range of equipment, anaesthetists and trained staff. Our unique, purpose-built facility allows us to provide this service for a wide range of dental procedures.
Wouldn’t I only choose sleep dentistry for major procedures?
For patients who are nervous at the prospect of relatively minor treatments, a general anaesthetic can simply allow them to put their mind at ease, knowing that they won't be awake for their treatment. Even for some people, getting a simple dental clean can be a struggle with the crippling effects of dental anxiety. So no, going under a general anaesthetic isn't just for major surgery such as All On 4 Dental Implants, it can be for veneers, crowns, dental cleans and so much more.
Is sedation safe for use in paediatric dentistry?
Yes it can be, however there are very strict rules that we must abide by. Your child must be over the age of 6 and must weigh a minimum of 20kg. This is to ensure that your child has the most safe experience possible, given that they will be going under a general anaesthetic. If your child does apply to these requirements, our anaesthetist will develop a plan for your child based on their medical history and the dental procedures planned.
As treatment is tailored to suit individual patients, it is safe for use in both general and paediatric dentistry. Although we explain treatments to children in ways they can understand, they may still struggle to understand the need to stay calm and still. Of course, some dental procedures can also be uncomfortable. This is where having the capabilities for sleep dentistry at Sleep Dentistry Melbourne can be beneficial; it can help smooth the path of dentistry treatments for children.
How should I prepare for my General Anaesthetic?
Anaesthetic drugs can affect your system in a number of ways, which means that you will need to:
- Make sure your anaesthetist is aware of any pre-existing medical conditions or medications you may be taking
- Fast for 6-8 ( possibly more, make sure to ask your dentist) hours before your procedure (this includes refraining from water)
- Organise to have someone collect you after the procedure, as you won't be able to drive yourself home, ( some anaesthetics can take up to 12 hours to fully wear off).
