Oral Sedation Dentistry Melbourne
Making Your Dental Treatment Comfortable & Relaxing
Dental anxiety doesn’t usually appear for no reason. Rather, it can be caused by a traumatic dental experience, previous trauma to the head, face, or neck, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), trust issues, and phobias such as claustrophobia or agoraphobia.
For those who suffer from dental anxiety, the dread of going to the dentist for any type of procedure can be very hard to overcome. Many experience some of these symptoms:
- Increased heart rate and heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Nervousness
- Aggression
- Panic
- High or low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Visible distress
- Racing thoughts
The experience can be different for everyone, but finding solutions so that dental procedures can be done is vital for oral health. That’s where oral sedation dentistry in Melbourne comes in.
Why Choose Associated Endodontists of Melbourne for Oral Sedation Dentistry?
- Endodontist Who Has Performed 35,000+ Root Canals
- Specialty Dental Practice That Has Been Opened for Over 25 Years
- A Welcoming Dental Team & a Comfortable, Homey Office
What Is Oral Sedation Dentistry?
Oral conscious sedation is administered in the form of a single pill, typically something within the diazepam family, like Valium. It helps you feel relaxed and at ease without putting you to sleep, although you may feel a little drowsy or fall asleep during your treatment. If this happens, our team can easily wake you up if you need to respond to any of our questions or requests. For many patients, the lasting and strong effects of this method of sedation beat even the most potent feelings of fear or anxiety surrounding visiting the dentist.
How Does Oral Sedation Dentistry Work?
No needle is necessary for oral conscious sedation, making it an excellent option for most patients. Simply take a single pill before your procedure, and within 30 minutes, you’ll feel the effects kick in. Because the relaxation and drowsiness can linger for several hours, you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member plan to drop you off and pick you up from our office.
Benefits of Oral Sedation for Endodontics
- Provides relief from anxiety and phobias.
- Allows the patient to relax during treatment.
- With anxiety under control, the endodontist can move more quickly through the treatment.
- Offers relief from pain or discomfort during the procedure.
If you are interested in oral sedation for endodontics, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott. If endodontic treatment is recommended, he will propose possible sedation options.
All levels of sedation options require specific pre and post-operative instructions, which will be given to patients and discussed during the sedation consultation. To aid our dentists and staff in the success, comfort, and safety of your treatment, please follow all pre and post-operative instructions.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Sedation Dentistry?
We typically recommend oral sedation dentistry in Melbourne for patients who:
- Feel anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist.
- Are overstimulated by the sights, sounds, and smells of the office.
- Have a strong gag reflex that may make their procedure uncomfortable.
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time in the treatment chair.
- Experience dental sensitivity that can make treatment uncomfortable.
If you feel this may be a good option for you, call our office today to learn more and inquire about your candidacy.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Do you get anxious just thinking about making a dental appointment? You’re not alone! At Associated Endodontists of Melbourne, we understand and respect patients’ fears and concerns. We strive to create a relaxed environment, and we take time to consult with each patient to determine their level of anxiety. With our compassionate and gentle approach, most of them find the experience of having root canal treatment to be much easier than anticipated.
For our patients who have a higher level of dental anxiety, we are equipped to provide multiple sedation options that will ease their fears while keeping them safe and relaxed throughout their procedures. The right sedation level is based on a patient’s level of anxiety, medical history, prior sedation history, and necessary treatment. We work closely with you to determine the best sedation option based on all of these factors.
Oral conscious sedation allows you to sit back and relax in the treatment chair without being unconscious. The best part is that no needles are necessary—simply take a single pill before your procedure begins and feel your nerves disappear.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is oral sedation safe?
Yes; oral sedation is generally considered to be safe and effective. That said, like with most medications, it can have negative interactions. Rest assured, your oral sedation dentist in Melbourne will thoroughly review your health history and list of current medications (both prescription and over the counter) to help ensure oral sedation is the right solution for you.
Will I remember anything with oral sedation?
Oral sedation provides a deeper sense of relaxation than milder options like nitrous oxide. Because of this, many patients are so drowsy during treatment that they don’t remember much about their experience. Even if you’ll be technically awake, you may only have a hazy recollection of your treatment. Understandably, patients with severe anxiety tend to find this reassuring.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans consider sedation dentistry to be a “luxury” and not strictly “medically necessary.” So they don’t usually provide coverage for sedation services. Unless, that is, you have physical or mental special needs that make it extremely difficult to receive care without some form of sedation. Your plan may also make an exception for treatments that are “complex.”
Dental insurance coverage can be rather confusing, but don’t worry. Our team is happy to help you navigate your benefits to determine what sort of savings you could be eligible for.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
Technically speaking, oral conscious sedation simply makes you relaxed and comfortable enough to respond better to local anesthesia. Practically speaking, oral conscious sedation will suppress your body’s ability to register pain (especially when combined with an anesthetic). You may feel some pressure or slight discomfort but shouldn’t experience any outright pain.
If you’re worried about pain during your dental treatment, please let our team know so we can help ensure your comfort!
Can oral sedation make you sick?
There is a slight chance oral sedation can make you feel sick to your stomach. To help you avoid this unpleasant effect, your oral sedation dentist in Melbourne will most likely recommend avoiding eating for a few hours before your appointment.
If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to nausea, we may be able to give you anti-nausea medicine. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible before, during, and after your treatment, so don’t hesitate to voice concerns like this during your consultation.