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Sleep Dentistry: Overcoming Dental Phobia with Comfort and Ease

Are you one of the many individuals who experience dental phobia or fear of dental treatment? At Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery, we understand the genuine need for sleep dentistry, and we are proud to be one of the few clinics in Victoria that offers this specialised service. With our sleep dentistry treatments, specifically General Anaesthetic and IV Sedation, we strive to provide our patients of all ages with a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

What is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, involves the delivery of dental care services while the patient is under general anaesthetic. This approach is particularly helpful for young patients undergoing stressful and painful procedures, as well as adult patients who are nervous about receiving dental treatment while fully awake. By utilising sleep dentistry, we aim to ensure that all patients can receive the treatment and care they need without the burden of dental phobia

The Sleep Dentistry Procedure

At Berwick Dental Clinic, we prioritise your comfort and well-being during sleep dentistry procedures. Here’s what you can expect during a sleep dentistry procedure:

Sedation Medication:

A consultant anaesthetist administers sedation medication to the patient, inducing a comfortable and relaxed state throughout the entire dental treatment.

Continuous Monitoring:

Our highly trained staff closely monitors the patient’s vital signs and response to sedation during the procedure to ensure all of our client’s safety and well-being.

Recovery Area:

After the dental procedure is complete, the patient is gently moved to a dedicated recovery area. This area is equipped with specialised equipment and staff to provide optimal post-treatment care.

Close Observation:

Our team continues to monitor the patient in the recovery area, ensuring a smooth and safe recovery. We closely observe vital signs, breathing patterns, and overall comfort to ensure a positive outcome.

Discharge Process:

Once our dentist determines that it is safe to do so, the patient can be discharged into the care of a family member or appointed guardian. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available to address any concerns or questions during the recovery period.

Types of Sleep Dentistry Treatments

At Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery, we offer several types of sleep dentistry treatments to cater to the unique needs and preferences of our patients. These include:

Oral Conscious Sedation:

Patients take oral sedatives prior to treatment, which help relieve pain and induce a relaxed and sleepy feeling. Despite being conscious during the procedure, patients remain comfortable and at ease.

Inhalation Sedation:

Also known as nitrous oxide or happy gas, this form of sedation involves administering a gas that induces a sedated state while the patient remains conscious. Patients experience a relaxed and comfortable feeling throughout the procedure.

IV Sedation:

This type of sedation involves the administration of a sedative drug through an intravenous injection. Patients undergoing IV sedation are unaware of the procedure and retain their reflexes while being closely monitored by an accredited Anaesthetist. This method is suitable for larger procedures or patients with severe anxiety. However, for lengthy procedures such as double All-On-Xs that can take up to 8-9 hours, we recommend General Anaesthesia instead.

General Anaesthetic:

With this method, patients are put into a deep sleep by a credited Anaesthetist while the dentist performs the necessary dental work. General anaesthesia is typically reserved for extensive procedures or full mouth reconstructions that require surgery lasting five hours or more.

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry

Sleep dentistry offers several benefits for patients who experience dental phobia or anxiety. Some of these advantages include:

  • Allowing dentists to complete multiple dental procedures in one session, reducing the need for multiple appointments and minimising strain on the patient
  • Alleviating anxiety as the patient is not awake to experience pain or the fear of dental tools being used
  • Encouraging regular dental visits, promoting overall oral health and well-being
  • Reducing the gag reflex, making dental treatments more comfortable and pleasant for patients

What You Can Expect From Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery

At Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery, we prioritise your comfort and strive to provide exceptional dental care to all our patients. When you choose Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery for your sleep dentistry needs, you can expect:

Expertise:

Our team includes skilled dentists and qualified anaesthetists who specialise in sleep dentistry. They have extensive experience in performing dental procedures under sedation, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.

Comprehensive Care:

We offer a wide range of sleep dentistry treatments to cater to various needs. Whether you require oral conscious sedation, inhalation sedation, IV sedation, or general anaesthetic, our team will tailor the treatment to suit your specific requirements.

State-of-the-Art Facility:

Our clinic is equipped with advanced technology and modern facilities to provide you with the highest standard of dental care. We maintain strict sterilisation protocols to ensure a clean and safe environment for all our patients.

Personalised Approach:

We understand that each patient is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns and address any anxieties you may have.

Understanding the Cost of Sleep Dentistry

At Berwick Dental Clinic, we believe in providing transparent and personalised care, including transparent pricing. The cost of sleep dentistry can vary based on several factors, including the specific sedation method, the complexity of the dental procedure, and the duration of the treatment. During a consultation with our team, we will assess your unique needs and provide you with an accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific situation.

Payment Options to Suit Your Needs

To make sleep dentistry more accessible and affordable, we offer a variety of payment methods. We understand that financial considerations are important, and we strive to accommodate our patients’ needs. Our payment options include:

Afterpay:

Divide your sleep dentistry treatment cost into four manageable instalments, with no interest or hidden fees.

Openpay:

Enjoy flexible payment plans with interest-free terms for your sleep dentistry expenses. Choose a plan that suits your budget and pay over a period that works for you.

ZIP:

Split the cost of your sleep dentistry treatment into convenient weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments, interest-free. ZIP allows you to manage your dental expenses without any surprises.

HUMM:

HUMM provides interest-free payment plans to help you spread the cost of your sleep dentistry treatment over time. Choose from various repayment options that best fit your budget.

In-House Direct Debit Payments:

For orthodontic treatments, we offer in-house direct debit payment options. This allows you to make regular payments towards your treatment cost, easing the financial burden.

Superannuation Release:

In certain cases, such as when undergoing extensive dental procedures or treatments related to your oral health, you may be eligible to release funds from your superannuation. Our team can guide you through the process and provide the necessary information to help you explore this option.

Our team is dedicated to working with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget and enables you to receive the sleep dentistry treatment you need without unnecessary financial stress.

Book Your Sleep Dentistry Appointment Today

Don’t let dental phobia or anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery is here to provide you with safe and comfortable sleep dentistry options. Take the first step towards a healthier smile by contacting us today to schedule an appointment.

Call (03) 9707 3227 or email [email protected] to book your sleep dentistry consultation. We look forward to helping you overcome your dental fears and provide you with the highest quality sleep dentistry services in Berwick. Trust Berwick Dental Clinic and Surgery for your dental care needs and experience the difference of compassionate and comfortable dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is a type of dental care where patients are placed under general anaesthesia for their treatment. It’s often used to help patients who are anxious or afraid of dental procedures.
Yes, sleep dentistry is generally safe. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we have a consultant anaesthetist administer the sedation and monitor patients throughout the procedure to ensure their safety.
During sleep dentistry, patients are put into a sleep-like state where they’re unaware of the procedure. Afterward, they usually have no memory of the treatment. It allows for a comfortable and anxiety-free dental experience.
Twilight sleep in dentistry refers to a state of conscious sedation where the patient is relaxed and drowsy but still responsive. It’s typically achieved through IV sedation and provides a middle ground between full awareness and general anaesthesia.
Sleep dentistry usually involves additional costs due to the use of anaesthesia and the need for an anaesthetist. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand what may be covered.
Coverage for sleep dentistry varies among insurance providers. If you’re a Bupa member, it’s recommended to contact them directly to confirm whether sleep dentistry is covered under your specific policy.
Insurance coverage for sleep dentistry can vary greatly depending on your provider and policy. It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand what is covered before scheduling your procedure.
Sleep dentistry works by using a form of sedation to put the patient in a relaxed, sleep-like state during their dental procedure. This is administered by a consultant anaesthetist who monitors the patient throughout the treatment.
The cost of sleep dentistry can vary depending on the type of sedation used and the complexity of the dental procedure. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we provide a detailed quote during your consultation to ensure transparency about all costs involved.