A recent study showed that around 50% of Australian adults experience dental anxiety and almost one in three adults have dental phobia and have not visited the dentist in 10 years or more. Avoiding the dentist Gordon can have serious implications on your dental health and your overall well-being. Avoiding the dentist can result in the development of tooth decay and gum disease which without treatment can result in tooth loss. It is important that you visit the dentist Gordon at least once every 6 months with your family to make sure that your teeth are clean and free of decay and disease. Dentists are well aware that most people do not enjoy visiting the dental practice although they are well aware of the consequences of not doing so. To help tackle this issue dentists are now better trained and skilled than ever before in dealing with the nervous patients, dental anxiety and dental phobia. Speak to your dentist Gordon and find out about sleep dentistry.

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is when your dentist carries out dental treatment whilst you are almost asleep. There are different levels of sleep or sedation. Most treatments and procedures carried out at the dental practice can be done under sedation. Sedation involves making you very drowsy almost to the stage where you are half asleep but still able to respond to your dentist’s orders. Your dentist Gordon will be able to offer you an oral sedative, IV sedation or nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas. Whilst the treatment is being carried out you will not be aware of what is going on around you however you will still be able to breathe on your own. This is the difference between sedation and general anaesthetic. With a general anaesthetic you rely on a ventilation machine or breathing machine to help you breathe however this is not necessary as most dental procedures can be carried out quickly and easily with sedation alone. Once your dentist is happy that you are very sleepy and drowsy the dentist can proceed with the treatment and when you wake up you will not have much recollection of what has happened. This is an excellent advantage for those who suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia and have delayed undergoing treatment for many years or have avoided the dentist altogether. By finding out about sleep dentistry your dentist will be able to encourage you to undergo a thorough examination of your mouth as well as restorative dental care or even cosmetic dental care when necessary whilst being sedated so that you can improve the health of your teeth at your ease and convenience.

 Sleep dentistry is ideal for those who need to go under extensive restorative treatment as it helps you remove the fear and stress of the procedure. Before you know it the treatment will be complete and you will not have any memories of the procedure. Sleep dentistry is completely secure and it has become increasingly popular amongst patients of all ages. We can discuss sleep dentistry for children who are also afraid of undergoing dental treatment

DISCLAIMER

All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.