If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Around one in six patients experience dental fear. For some, a past experience or the anticipation of pain is enough to delay or avoid treatment altogether.

Advanced sedation techniques, including sleep dentistry, now offer effective ways to manage anxiety so that patients can receive the care they need comfortably. At The Point Dental, we have experience helping patients with all levels of dental fear.

Types of Dental Sedation

For patients whose anxiety goes beyond what standard numbing agents can address, sedation offers a more comfortable experience. The main sedation options include:

• Sleep dentistry via general anaesthesia or IV (twilight) sedation, which is milder than a full anaesthetic
• Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas)
• Oral sedation in pill or liquid form

The right option depends on the level of anxiety, the type of dental work required, and how long the procedure will take. IV sedation, for example, allows the dose to be adjusted throughout the treatment.

What to Expect from Sleep Dentistry

Sleep dentistry is the most comprehensive form of sedation and is suitable for both children and adults. Here is what the process typically involves.

Before

• A preliminary appointment to discuss your dental concerns and anxiety
• Your medical history is reviewed by a sedation specialist who will outline your options
• All costs are disclosed before treatment begins
• Treatment is carried out on-site at our clinic, with no need to attend a hospital

During

• Under general anaesthetic, you are completely unconscious and will not see, hear, or feel anything
• The duration of sedation depends on the dental work being performed

After

• Once the procedure is complete, the anaesthetist reverses the medication to wake you
• You may feel groggy or slightly disoriented afterwards, and additional pain relief may be needed
• You will need another adult to accompany you to and from the appointment

Which Procedures Can Be Done Under Sedation?

Sedation can be used across a wide range of dental procedures, including:

• Wisdom teeth removal
• Root canal treatment
• Gum treatment
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Cosmetic dentistry
• All-on-4 implants

Whether the work is minor, major, or preventative, sedation options are available. We can discuss which approach suits your situation during a consultation.

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Dental Sedation?

A significant portion of the fee for dental sedation is covered by Medicare. Private health insurance may also cover sedation for major treatments, and some general extras policies include cover for sedation during smaller procedures. Check with your specific provider to confirm what is included.

We also offer interest-free payment options to help make treatment accessible.

Your Next Step

If dental anxiety has been preventing you from seeking care, contact us at The Point Dental to explore your options. Our team has experience in both dental fear management and sleep dentistry.