Been putting off dental treatment? Explore our range of sleep dentistry options for a more comfortable way forward.
Sleep dentistry makes it possible to receive the dental treatment you’ve been putting off in a way that feels easier. It’s a popular option for those who feel anxious about treatment, have a strong gag reflex, a low pain threshold, or would prefer to complete more treatment in fewer appointments, where suitable.
At Somersmiles Dental, we offer a range of sleep dentistry options, including oral sedation and IV sedation administered by in-clinic anaesthetist, because everyone’s comfort needs are different.
Sleep dentistry isn’t a single treatment. It’s an umbrella term for a range of sedation options that can help suitable patients feel more relaxed during dental visits. Depending on your treatment, medical history and level of anxiety, we may recommend oral sedation or IV sedation.
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before your appointment to help you feel calm and at ease by the time you arrive. You’ll remain conscious throughout your treatment, although many patients remember very little about their visit. As the effects can last for several hours, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
IV sedation is administered and carefully monitored by a registered anaesthetist right here at Somersmiles Dental. The medication is delivered through a small tube (cannula) in your arm or hand, helping you feel deeply relaxed throughout treatment while still being able to respond to the dentist or therapist when needed. Because your sedation is provided in our Somerville practice, there’s no need to travel to another clinic or hospital.
Sleep dentistry can help make dental treatment feel more comfortable and manageable. It may be a suitable option if you:
Feel anxious or nervous about dental treatment
Find it hard to sit still during procedures
Have a strong gag reflex or low pain threshold
Are having treatment such as dental implants, tooth extractions, root canal treatment or dental crowns
Would prefer to complete more treatment in fewer appointments where clinically appropriate
Choosing sleep dentistry can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. From your first phone call to your recovery at home, we’ve thought through every part of the experience to help you feel informed, comfortable and well supported.
Your IV sedation is administered and carefully monitored by a registered anaesthetist right here at Somerville. There’s no need to travel to another clinic or hospital, making your treatment simpler and more convenient.
The day before your treatment, our registered anaesthetist will give you a call to explain what to expect, answer any questions and make sure you feel supported and prepared before you arrive.
From noise-cancelling headphones and TVs in every treatment room to warm blankets and supportive neck pillows, we’ve included thoughtful touches to help you feel more comfortable throughout your visit.
Once you’re home, we’ll check in with a follow-up phone call to see how you’re recovering. It’s all part of making sure you feel supported from beginning to end.
Sleep dentistry doesn’t begin when you arrive for your appointment, and end when you leave. Here’s a look at every step of your sleep dentistry experience, so you can feel completely at ease.
During your consultation we'll assess your oral health, discuss the dental treatment you need and talk through your sedation options. We'll take any necessary X-rays, explain your treatment plan, provide an estimate of costs and discuss how long your appointment is expected to take. If sleep dentistry is appropriate for you, we'll schedule your treatment.
Before your treatment, we'll guide you through everything you need to know, including any fasting requirements, if needed, arranging someone to drive you home and how to prepare for the day.
You'll also receive a call from our registered anaesthetist before your procedure, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, understand what to expect and arrive feeling calm and well prepared.
On the day of your treatment, your sedation will be administered and monitored by a registered anaesthetist right here at Somersmiles Dental. Throughout your procedure, we'll make sure you're as comfortable as possible with thoughtful touches like noise-cancelling headphones, warm blankets and neck pillows.
After your treatment, you'll spend time in our recovery area until you're ready to go home. Before you leave, we'll provide personalised aftercare instructions and, if needed, a prescription for any medication required to support your recovery.
Once you're home, our team will check in with a follow-up phone call to see how you're recovering and answer any questions you may have.
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Eligibility criteria apply.
At Somersmiles Dental, we offer several sedation options, including oral sedation and IV sedation. During your consultation, we'll discuss your treatment, medical history and comfort preferences to recommend the most appropriate approach for your needs.
Depending on the type of sedation recommended, you may take prescribed medication before your appointment or receive IV sedation administered by a registered anaesthetist. Each option is designed to help suitable patients feel more relaxed during treatment while remaining safe and closely monitored throughout the procedure.
The cost of sleep dentistry depends on the type of sedation recommended, the length of your appointment and the treatment being performed. We'll provide a personalised treatment plan and explain all costs during your consultation, so you'll know exactly what to expect before treatment begins. Medicare offers a rebate for dental sedation. It may also be covered by your private health insurance, depending on your plan and provider.
Your recovery will depend on the type of sedation you receive. Oral sedation and IV sedation take longer to wear off, so you'll need someone to drive you home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Before you leave, we'll provide personalised aftercare instructions and, if needed, a prescription for any medication to support your recovery. We'll also check in with a follow-up phone call to see how you're feeling.
For suitable patients, sleep dentistry is a safe and widely used option when administered appropriately. At Somersmiles Dental, IV sedation is provided and monitored by a registered anaesthetist, and we'll carefully review your medical history beforehand to ensure it's appropriate for you.
If you're searching ‘sleep dentistry near me’, it's worth looking beyond location alone. Ask what sedation options are available, who administers the sedation and what support you'll receive before, during and after your treatment.
At Somersmiles Dental, we offer oral sedation and IV sedation, with IV sedation administered by a registered anaesthetist right here in our Somerville practice. We also take the time to prepare you before your appointment and check-in afterwards, so you feel supported throughout your experience.
We welcome patients from across the Mornington Peninsula, including Mornington, Baxter, Tyabb, Hastings and surrounding suburbs.
